Modern Languages are taught from Year 3 to Year 13 at Patana. Students are introduced to languages in Year 3 by means of a carousel system in which they have the opportunity to sample French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin. From Year 4 onwards, students continue to study one of these languages or Thai for beginners. Primary students also follow a programme of language as part of their Thai studies lessons. The school follows government regulations in requiring Thai nationals to study Thai as their modern language option.

Apart from a small number of children receiving ESL support, all students study languages. Students continue to study a course in foreign languages from Year 7, leading to a G.C.S.E examination in Year 11.

In Years 12 and 13, students following the IB Diploma course for the International Baccalaureate have three options. They can begin a new language at beginners’ level (Ab-initio), continue with the language they studied previously (Language B) or follow a course for native speakers of a language (Language A).

Students who are not native speakers of English can study English as a Second Language which leads to a G.C.S.E exam. They can then take English at Language B level for the IB diploma.

 

Mission Statements

Our mission is to ensure that students will

• understand and respect the culture of the country whose language they are studying and thus gain a more international perspective of life
• be given the opportunity to learn a foreign language to the best of their ability
• develop an enthusiasm for language learning that will remain with them throughout life

Primary MFL:

Through an interactive approach, we aim to develop

• children's awareness of cultural differences
• basic communicative skills

Secondary MFL:

Our mission is to ensure that students will develop an understanding of and an ability to communicate in a foreign language in line with ability and experience.