Languages

French, Spanish & Latin

At St Ambrose College, students are given the opportunity to learn either French or Spanish. In French and Spanish, they are encouraged to see the language as a real form of communication, and not just as an academic subject, so considerable emphasis is placed on using the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, as well as building up key vocabulary and acquiring a sound grasp of grammar. They are equally encouraged in all three languages to understand the practices, customs and traditions not just of France or Spain but of the many countries throughout the world speaking or impacted by those languages.  At Pentecost, speaking in many tongues led to the establishment of the Church of Christ.  At St Ambrose College, students will be encouraged to follow the example of the Blessed Edmund Rice by using his language not only to communicate simple messages but to reflect on and teach the truth, and so become future multilingual Christian leaders throughout the world.

Languages

In the Languages faculty, pupils are given the opportunity to learn either French or Spanish. For high-achieving linguists, there is the possibility of following a dual linguist pathway from Y8.  

KS3

In KS3, pupils will study either French or Spanish. As pupils are encouraged to see the language as a real form of communication and not just as an abstract concept, considerable emphasis is placed on using the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, as well as building up key vocabulary and acquiring a sound grasp of grammar.  

GCSE

All pupils continue to study either French or Spanish and at KS4 we follow the AQA specification. In both these languages, pupils will continue to develop their language abilities in listening, reading, speaking and writing, and further develop their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. They will also be encouraged to look at the practices and traditions of countries throughout the world speaking those languages.  

Advanced Level

In the Sixth Form, students of French or Spanish develop their language skills and vocabulary to a very advanced level so they can comfortably continue the language at university. The course includes up-to-date topics such as immigration and the changes in the family structure and is designed to develop their ability in the four skills, so they become fully operational in the language of their choice. The course also encourages the students to study in much more depth many key aspects of the country’s civilisation and requires students to produce an Independent Research Project on a topic of their choice which relates to the French or Spanish-speaking world.  

Extra Curricular Activities

Pupils have the opportunity to take part in a variety of trips. At the end of Year 7, all Year 7 pupils, whether studying French or Spanish, will be given the opportunity to take part in a 4-day cultural and cross-curricular trip to Normandy in France, where they will have the opportunity to visit the D-Day landing beaches, the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry and the magnificent Mont St Michel monument. In the past, Sixth Formers have completed a week's work experience in France or Spain. During such visits, the students are accommodated in Spanish or French families, thus providing a real insight into the culture, as well as many opportunities to practise their language. At KS3, students also get the opportunity to participate in the Routes into Languages Spelling or Translation Bee, with previous students making it to the national final. 

Finally, many old Ambrosians have gone on to study languages at University, either as a Single or Dual Honours Languages Degree, or in combination with other subjects such as Business Studies, Law, Mathematics and Sciences.