Modern Foreign Languages & Latin

French

A key responsibility of our language teachers at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is to instil a love of language learning and an awareness of different peoples, their cultures and their language. The long term aim, therefore, is that, as adults, our pupils have the confidence to use their French not only as a means of communication but also of understanding and collaboration.

In the Prep school, we aim to make learning languages as fun and engaging as possible. Pupils begin studying French in Year 3, learning conversational and beginner French through games and songs.  This early start in languages not only enables students to make progress in French, but also forms strong foundations for the understanding and learning of other languages later in life.  Prep school pupils at Cranleigh finish Year 8 with good knowledge of French grammar, conversational French and the ability to express themselves elegantly in French both orally and in writing.

L’image la plus exacte de l’esprit français est la langue française elle-même.

Désiré Nisard

Having gained a solid foundation of French in the Prep School, pupils can access more challenging material in the Senior School. They will explore the beautiful intricacies of French grammar and discover the rich culture of France and other francophone countries. If they opt to continue to study French at IGCSE, students will be well equipped to access either A Level or university level French.

Spanish 

At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Prep school pupils, who do not take Islamic studies, can opt to take up Spanish from Year 7. The aim is to provide students, both native and non-native speakers, with engaging education through which they can immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture. Students move through curriculum topics quickly and effectively to expand their lexical range, vocabulary and grammatical knowledge.

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.

Ludwig Wittgenstein 

In the senior school, students delve deeper into the complexities of Spanish grammar and discover the richness of Spanish culture. In Year 10, students can continue their Spanish studies at IGCSE level where they develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through the exploration of challenging and thought-provoking topics. The course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to communicate freely with Spanish speakers and appreciate the culture of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries throughout the world. They gain a solid foundation for language study at A Level or university level.

Language learning develops and strengthens cognitive skills.  When learning a new language, we begin to understand new patterns, vocabulary and structures.  Thus, students improve skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, listening, multitasking and critical thinking.  It goes without saying that we also see improved social interaction and confidence among students who take up a foreign language at Cranleigh. In an increasingly globalised world, language skills are even more important and give students a competitive edge in today’s society.  

Latin

At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, as an alternative to Spanish, pupils who do not take Islamic studies can opt to take up Latin from Year 7. In the Prep School, the language of Latin is made accessible through the stories and classical civilisation topics presented by the Cambridge Latin Course. . Pupils are encouraged to give their imagination free rein and deepen a sense of the culture of the Romans, and the influence they had on Europe and the World,  through creative and fun learning methods. Students study both the Latin language and its context: that is to say, the history and mythology of ancient Rome. This way important language skills, which contribute to mastery of both English and the modern Romance languages are acquired.

Latin is the most influential language in human history. Learn Latin! You will be doing your part to save Western civilization and transform your education from good to great. Latin is not dead; it’s immortal.

US academic Cheryl Lowe

From Year 10, students may opt for Latin as one of their IGCSE subjects, following the Cambridge International syllabus, IGCSE 0480. At the end of Year 11, they sit two papers. The first consists of translation and comprehension of two unseen texts; and the second assesses knowledge and understanding of excerpts from one prose author and one verse author, for example, Cicero and Virgil. 

Students who can demonstrate a knowledge of Latin and who have had the opportunity to study Roman literature in its original form are unusual, making this subject a stand-out addition to any student’s academic curriculum vitae.