Languages

Why do we teach languages?

Learning a foreign language not only equips our students with the ability to communicate in an increasingly global community but also provides them with an insight into different cultural backgrounds. It increases their own personal opportunities for work, entertainment and travel, in a world community that is interconnected socially, culturally, commercially and economically.

At BSB, the MFL faculty offers a chance for students to learn Mandarin, French or Spanish (with programs for native speakers in Spanish, German and French from August 2011 for native speakers). Here is a brief introduction to each of the languages available to students at our Secondary Campus.

At our Shunyi Primary campus we are able to offer Spanish, German and French for Native speakers. With French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and Arabic currently being offered for beginners after school.

Curriculum Organisation

In our Primary Schools all students are taught Mandarin as part of their daily lessons, with up to 4 hours a week. There is also additional after school Chinese lessons offered to any student who would like to develop the language further. In secondary School, at KS 3 students study study Mandarin + one extra Modern Foreign Language, either French or Spanish and have the opportunity to continue these at Key Stage 4 (year 10 and year 11) and Key Stage 5 (year 12 –AS level and Year 13 – A levels). Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales.

Facilities and resources

Each classroom is equipped with a computer with DVD/CD drive, an interactive whiteboard and an overhead projector. The faculty also has a private study room for small group use, and regular access to a first class I.T. suite fully equipped for large groups.

Our teachers are all native speakers of the language that they teach, providing the best quality Teaching and Learning experience for our students.