Secondary School Modern Languages Newsletter

FRENCH

As we approach the end of the module assessments, this is an ideal time for both teachers and learners to reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement. It offers an opportunity for learners to adjust their approach, enhance their results, and deepen their understanding of the language.

Our Year 7 students have gained confidence in the very basics of French. We are excited to announce that we will soon be moving on to learning how to talk about our school, discuss different subjects, and express opinions about them.

Year 8 is preparing to progress to a new and more challenging book, where students will encounter mixed tenses. This marks an important step in their language learning journey.

Year 9 has now completed their foundational studies on time, and it’s time for them to choose their language options. We are proud of the progress they have made so far.

Our KS4 students are making good progress as they work towards mastering the rigour of the Cambridge exams. Soon, our Year 11 students will be sitting their first-ever exam: the French oral exam. We wish them the best of luck as they prepare!

In addition to their academic work, we are focusing on engaging and practical projects. Year 10 students are currently working on an exciting project: creating their interactive CVs in French! It’s a wonderful way for them to apply their language skills in a real-world and current context.

We are thrilled to announce that some of our mathematically and linguistically inclined Year 9 and Year 12 students will be participating in the French MSF (Mathématiques Sans Frontières) competition on Pi Day. This competition involves solving team-based maths and 3D puzzles, one of which is read and answered in French.

The MSF competition, organised by the Académie de Strasbourg and supported by the French Ministry of Education is an international event, and we are proud to share that we will be the only school in Africa participating this year—marking the first-ever participation in Tanzania! We wish our team Bonne Chance! and eagerly await the results in June.

KISWAHILI

This term, our Year 7, 8, and 9 Kiswahili students have been actively developing their language skills through a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance vocabulary, grammar, reading, speaking, and listening. In class, students have participated in interactive discussions, role-plays, group conversations, and storytelling exercises to improve their spoken Kiswahili. They have also worked on reading comprehension tasks, writing exercises, and language games that reinforce their understanding of grammar and sentence structure.

To bring the language to life, we have incorporated listening activities using audio materials and videos, allowing students to hear Kiswahili in real-world contexts. These activities help build confidence and encourage students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Language learning is most effective when practiced consistently. We encourage our students to continue engaging with Kiswahili by speaking with peers, listening to Kiswahili music, reading books or articles, and writing short passages. Every small effort contributes to fluency and confidence in communication.

We are proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our students have shown so far. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let’s continue exploring the beauty of Kiswahili together!