At Upton House, languages are at the heart of our curriculum. We believe that learning a language opens doors to new cultures, perspectives and opportunities, and we are passionate about instilling curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of languages from the earliest years.
Each year we proudly celebrate European Day of Languages, taking time to explore and appreciate the rich variety of languages spoken within our own school community and across the world. It is a wonderful reminder that language connects us all.
Languages We Offer
French is our primary modern foreign language and is taught throughout the school. Spanish is offered through our popular after-school clubs, and Latin is introduced in Forms 5 and 6, providing pupils with a strong linguistic foundation and deeper understanding of language structure.
All language lessons at Upton House are delivered by specialist teachers and are carefully designed to be interactive, engaging and enjoyable.
Latin
Latin at Upton House is brought to life through Minimus, a Latin course that follows the adventures of a Roman family living at Vindolanda in Roman Britain. Through their stories, pupils discover Latin in a way that feels closely connected to everyday life two thousand years ago.
Lessons blend language learning with history, culture and mythology, helping children see how Latin shaped the world around them and still influences the English we speak today.
This year, pupils will also be taking part in a Latin Reading competition, giving them the exciting opportunity to perform spoken Latin and experience the language as it was meant to be heard.
Spanish
Spanish is taught in our two after school clubs, one for children in Pre-Prep and one for those in Prep. These very popular clubs introduce Spanish in an engaging way through games, songs and crafts activities.
Often the learning will be focused on important festivals or calendar dates such as Christmas or Easter. We celebrate the festival of the Three Kings in January with “Roscón de Reyes”, we learn about “El Día de los Muertos”, which is celebrated in Mexico in November. We also mark World Book Day, and learn about the seasons. In spring the arrival of the eggs which soon become ducklings “los patos” is always a very special time.
In addition, of course, children learn how to introduce themselves, know their colours and how to count with games such as “manos nerviosas”. We make Guacamole, discover the hilarious “Billy la Bufanda” and make Guatemalan worry dolls, “muñecas quitapenas”. We set up a market and go shopping using a range of props, or we’ll role play waiters and diners in a mocked-up restaurant setting. In summertime we do scavenger hunts outside in Spanish and learn Spanish playground games. Generally, we have as much fun as possible, in Spanish!
French
Early Years: Building Confidence and Joy
Children begin learning French in Oaks, where weekly lessons are filled with songs, action chants and games. These activities develop a strong familiarity with French sounds and introduce simple greetings, colours and numbers in a lively and memorable way.
As pupils move into Transition, learning is extended through creative activities that reinforce language acquisition. For example, after learning a chant about different weather expressions, children create their own weather dial to take home. Wherever possible, language topics are linked to learning in other subjects. During the spring term, pupils explore mini-beasts in French and undertake a special project on La chenille qui fait des trous (The Hungry Caterpillar), bringing language learning to life through cross-curricular connections.
In the Early Years, the emphasis is on speaking and listening. Children gain confidence expressing themselves orally — introducing themselves, sharing their age, and talking about foods they enjoy — laying strong foundations for future learning.
Prep: Developing Fluency and Understanding
As pupils progress into Prep, there is a growing focus on reading and writing. Children learn French phonics and develop the skills to read and write with increasing accuracy and confidence. They write about themselves, their families and their pets, using simple verb structures, plurals, adjectives and time expressions.
While linguistic skills develop, lessons remain dynamic and interactive. We believe that enjoyment and engagement are essential to successful language learning.
Culture and Connection
Language learning at Upton House extends far beyond vocabulary and grammar. We actively teach the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. In French lessons, pupils explore Noël en France, learn about les cloches de Pâques, discover the geography of France and study La Francophonie. They learn about the Euro, the art of Matisse, the Eiffel Tower and traditional celebrations such as La Galette des Rois.
We continually seek creative ways to bring language to life. Our pupils have enjoyed running a French café, opening a French ice cream shop, and preparing and tasting crêpes after following une recette française. Collaborative projects enrich the experience further — including a memorable partnership with the Broadcasting Club, where pupils rehearsed and performed short plays entirely in French. Their production of La Révolution Française was both educational and enormous fun.
Enrichment and Opportunities
In addition to classroom teaching, pupils benefit from access to Languagenut, our online learning platform. Its wide range of interactive and gamified resources supports learning both in school and at home, encouraging healthy competition and motivating pupils to strive for their personal best.
We are proud of our long-standing partnership with a French school just outside Paris. In Forms 5 and 6, pupils are encouraged to correspond with a French partner through letters and short videos. This exchange is always a highlight, providing an authentic audience and real-life purpose for language use.
Prep pupils also enjoy visits from Onatti Productions, a French theatre company whose lively and accessible performances in French captivate and inspire our children each year.
A Real-World Experience
The highlight of Form 6 is our annual residential trip to France. This much-anticipated experience provides pupils with the invaluable opportunity to use their French in authentic settings. During the week, pupils visit the WWI Battlefields, explore a local market, tour a chocolate factory and even visit a snail farm — all while engaging with local people and applying their language skills in meaningful, real-world contexts.
At Upton House, we are proud to nurture confident, curious and culturally aware linguists. Through specialist teaching, immersive experiences and meaningful connections, we aim to ensure that every child develops not only strong language skills, but also a genuine enthusiasm for discovering the wider world.
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