MInd your Language

Another busy term in the Languages department not only saw children up and down the school honing their speaking and listening skills, but also discovering lots of lovely new vocabulary with opportunities abound to learn more about the Spanish and French culture. The “Una vida sana” project triggered some new phrases as our older children learnt how to name parts of the body and practise explaining physical symptoms to a Spanish speaking doctor or pharmacist. Mr Bunker assumed the role of doctor before reading through a series of sick notes provided by Year 8 pupils outlining why they would need to take a day off school. Spanish speaker ‘Dr Bunker’ also contacted a neurologist friend in Spain who consulted with the children on their ‘ailments’ (in Spanish of course!). It’s who you know, hey Mr Bunker!

Year 7 pupils learnt how to ask for and follow directions in Spanish before embarking on orienteering trails outside to put their knowledge to the test. ¡Buen trabajo! The traditional Year 8 Pre-Prep Spanish lessons were delivered online this year but the novelty and excitement of being taught by older children was just as evident on screen. And the Summer term hailed the return of Spanish Club for Friday afternoon enrichment. Señora O brought along her infectious enthusiasm and love of traditional Spanish music, ensuring that each session concluded with a “Just Dance” activity so everyone could salsa their way into the weekend.

“I am really impressed with how quickly the children are retaining new vocabulary but also their joy in adapting to this vibrant language. They are fearless!” SEÑORA O

The Nursery children made their weekly pilgrimage to the Prep School for their French lessons and le Championnat d’Europe de football 2021 provided the perfect opportunity for pupils to brush up on the French names of the 11 hosting countries, key positions on the field and to revise those all important nombres when recording the daily scores. Older children learnt all about Thierry Henry and his work to highlight and stamp out racism in Sport for good having initiated the STAND UP! SPEAK UP! wristbands in noir et blanc in 2005. Pupils also followed the Solar Eclipse ‘en direct’ from ‘l’Observatoire de Paris’ and were inspired to make some beautiful ‘Systeme solaire’ themed posters. Exam season had all the children revising hard to consolidate their learning with everyone showing great determination to do their very best. Bravo tout le monde!

Sadly at the end of term we had to say au revoir to Madame Hood who has taught French at Claremont for 16 years! Madame Hood, whose commitment, passion and selfless drive has created a genuine love of the French language and culture at Claremont, from our youngest children in the Nursery all the way up to our Year 8s. You will never be far from our thoughts on future trips to St Omer and annual celebrations of European Day of Languages. Come back and see us soon!

“It has been a joy teaching French at Claremont for the last 16 years and I am grateful to all parents, colleagues and of course our amazing pupils, who inspire me and have made lessons so memorable!” MADAME HOOD