Languages
Languages & Learning
Languages in a Catholic Education
Historically in Britain, the study of foreign languages was often associated with families seeking a high level of education for their children, as well as with internationally minded and upwardly mobile families. Today, however, languages are increasingly treated as being “on the back foot” in British education, with many schools regarding them as secondary in importance or even optional.
As an educational institution in the Catholic tradition, we believe that foreign languages are particularly important. The Catholic Church is truly global, bringing together people from many different countries and cultures. The ability to speak another language enables our students to engage more directly with people from different backgrounds and to appreciate different cultures and forms of expression. It can also open opportunities for international study, including at the Pontifical Universities in Rome.
A Non-Optional Part of the Curriculum
For these reasons, Jesus College seeks to make the study of foreign languages a non-optional part of our curriculum, giving it a place alongside English, Mathematics and Science.
Foreign-language skills can also provide significant practical advantages. In the workplace, the ability to communicate in another language can open opportunities to work with international clients, enter new markets and take on responsibilities beyond one's previous experience.
At Jesus College, we place a high value on students learning about other cultures and developing different modes of expression and communication through the study of languages.
Language Study Through the Years
From the earliest years, language study builds steadily towards GCSE and A Level.
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Primary Level
Italian & FrenchTwo-year programmeAt Jesus College, foreign languages form an important part of the early stages of education, when children are particularly receptive to memorisation and the acquisition of vocabulary through songs, games and other engaging activities.
At the age of eight, students add a second foreign language to the first foreign language they began to study in reception. Our teachers and tutors help them develop their reading, listening, writing and speaking skills. Etc etc…
The level of language study at this age is significantly more advanced than the level typically offered in primary schools in the UK. From the age of eight, students follow a two-year programme designed to prepare them to begin GCSE-level study in modern foreign languages from the age of ten.
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Secondary Level
GCSE-level studyExams at 12 or 14From the age of ten, academically able students begin a two-year programme leading to two modern foreign language examinations at the age of twelve.
Students who require a slower and more methodical approach can instead follow a longer programme, taking their language examinations from the age of fourteen.
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Continuing to A Level
A strong foundationHigh gradesStudents who wish to continue languages to A Level carry on developing their chosen languages to a high standard before beginning their A Level courses.
This provides a strong foundation for achieving the high grades in languages that are expected by highly selective universities.
Extracurricular Activities
At Jesus College, the study of languages extends beyond the classroom. Songs, drama and short performances in the languages being studied add an element of beauty, creativity and enjoyment to language learning, while giving students further opportunities to develop confidence in using their languages.