In the past two weeks, we’ve conducted our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) public verbal exams, and all pupils have been working extremely hard. We trust they have performed beautifully. At Sydenham High, we offer French, German, Spanish, and Italian, with the option for supporting bilingual pupils to take a GCSE in their mother tongue if available. We’ve supported pupils in languages such as Gujarati, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Portuguese, reflecting our school’s rich linguistic diversity. While we may face challenges in providing specific language GCSE preparation, we facilitate continued language learning through online tutoring, encompassing over 30 languages spoken in our school community.
Language learning goes beyond the classroom, with immersion in culture being pivotal. We encourage pupils to embrace cultural experiences alongside language practice. International travel has resumed, allowing us to organise trips to Germany, Italy, France (including Paris and the Opal Coast), and Spain this year, providing pupils with both cultural enrichment and linguistic immersion. Next year, we plan to offer similar trips across all four languages to maximise experiential learning opportunities.
Collaboration across GDST schools enhances our MFL programme. We hosted the GDST MFL festival and participated in various language competitions, earning recognition as runners-up in the “Languages Build Bridges” poster competition.
To enhance speaking skills, we run a stretch programme and provide additional support for upcoming speaking exams. Language clinics are available during lunchtimes, providing pupils with opportunities to practise speaking, a good complement to our programme. Additionally, we have organised extracurricular activities such as the “boule club”, Arabic club and workshops in various languages across the whole school to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment.
We encourage pupils to immerse themselves in language and culture beyond the classroom, recommending exposure to music, stories, and radio programmes. London’s vibrant cultural scene offers wonderful opportunities for exploration, including plays, films, exhibitions, and more. Our pupils love to showcase their confidence in their language skills, celebrating their achievements in roleplays, conversations, poem recitals, presentations, cooking and more.
