Wealden Times | WT261 | February 2024 | Education Supplement inside

The Priceless Education Supplement sponsored by
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istockphoto.com/ Devita ayu Silvianingtyas, olnik_y, Anna Drozdova, Luisa Vallon Fumi & Macrovector
Sevenoaks Preparatory School incorporates
three foreign languages into its curriculum,
broadening students’ horizons and aiming
to instil a lifelong love for languages. French – the
language of romance and diplomacy; Spanish – the
gateway to vibrant cultures across the globe; and
Latin – the key to understanding the roots of many
modern languages, each bring unique advantages to
the table.
In an age of rapidly evolving curricula, Latin may
seem like an unconventional choice for preparatory
school pupils. However, Latin serves as a solid
foundation for the development of language and
cognitive skills, making it a valuable new addition
to the curriculum at Sevenoaks Preparatory
School. First and foremost, Latin enhances
vocabulary and comprehension. Learning Latin
roots and prefixes helps students decipher unfamiliar
English words, boosting their reading and writing
abilities. It also strengthens critical thinking by
teaching them to analyse complex sentence structures
and develop logical problem-solving skills. Moreover,
Latin fosters an appreciation for the rich history
and culture of ancient Rome, enriching students’
cultural literacy. A strong foundation in Latin not
only improves language skills but also opens doors to
exploring new cultures, broadening horizons.
In the world of modern language learning, there’s no
substitute for real-life immersion. Taking students
abroad, while they are actively studying the language,
provides a host of benefits that extend far beyond
the confines of the classroom. It’s an experience
that breathes life into language education, enriching
students in countless ways. During Year 7’s trip to
Boulogne, speaking with local people, ordering food
at a café and asking for directions allowed pupils to
put their language skills into action. This authentic
interaction fosters linguistic confidence, fluency, and
cultural understanding.
Studying these languages at a young age not only
boosts cognitive development but also fosters cultural
awareness and a sense of global responsibility.
Mastering an additional language equips students to
excel in an increasingly interconnected world and
can provide them with a competitive advantage in
various academic and professional endeavours.
to say
We hear all about the advantages of learning
languages from Sevenoaks Prep School
To find out more about Sevenoaks
Prep School and their language
teaching visit theprep.org.uk
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