The Languages Department at Cottesmore is driven by a passionate and highly experienced team, including an experienced Head of French who has lived and worked in Paris and brings over 23 years of teaching experience to the role. The full team are committed to fostering confidence, curiosity and a love of language learning. Through engaging teaching methods and strong pastoral support, pupils are encouraged to take risks, communicate with confidence and develop skills that will support them far beyond the classroom.
Teaching focuses on engaging and inclusive methods that help all pupils build confidence and enjoy learning languages. Lessons include interactive speaking activities and language games that encourage participation and help pupils communicate with ease. Tasks are carefully structured and supported with visual aids where needed, and the department adapts its approach to suit the needs of each pupil, helping them develop independence and fluency.
Online learning platforms are also used to reinforce vocabulary acquisition, listening skills and exam preparation, allowing pupils to consolidate their learning through independent practice.
In addition to French, pupils may have opportunities to study other languages. These are taught by specialist peripatetic teachers, allowing pupils to maintain or extend their language learning according to their individual interests and needs.
Our success in the last decade has been based on setting high standards, using modern resources to motivate and interest our pupils and taking all of Year 7 to France for a residential trip every year, which is widely regarded as a highlight of any Cottesmorians time at the school. Taking place prior to the Common Entrance year, the trip provides a valuable opportunity for pupils to develop their spoken French in authentic settings, helping to build confidence and encouraging them to communicate with native speakers in real-life situations.