French forms part of the core curriculum of the Prep School from M Form to 2nd Form.  All pupils in these forms study French, unless they are non-native speakers of English, in which case they have EFL lessons. 

However, the study of Modern Languages should be more than simply an academic exercise.  We aim to make Modern Languages at Fettes Prep School great fun.  This is achieved through visits and exchanges – we have been to Provence, Alsace and Paris during the Easter holidays in recent years.  We are keen to expose our pupils to native speakers – our Assistante is a valuable resource.  The introduction of German and Spanish clubs has added an extra dimension to the learning process.  A lively and action-packed approach enables us to achieve our departmental aims:

a. To develop the ability to understand and use the language effectively for practical communication.
b. To enable pupils to see the language as a living and changing means of communication, rather than merely as a body of language to be learned.
c. To develop an understanding of the grammar of the language and to promote grammatical precision.
d. To develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning.
e. To enable pupils to move away from dependence on teacher and dictionary and achieve some degree of autonomy.
f. To promote enjoyment of learning and using languages through opportunities to learn German, Spanish and Italian in language clubs.
g. To enable each pupil to achieve the best result of which he/she is capable in the school examination.
h. To promote positive attitudes to language learning, to speakers of foreign languages and their culture, encourage contacts abroad through the annual French trip, and to develop in our pupils a European and international outlook.
i. To build a sound foundation for the language skills and attitudes required for further study in the Senior School or another Secondary establishment.
j. To promote learning skills of more general application, such as memorising, analysis, dictionary skills and Information Technology.
k. To develop pupils’ powers of expression and understanding of themselves.
l. To adapt our teaching to the needs of the individual and to vary our teaching methods, both to interest and challenge pupils.

Our pupils are assured that they can achieve in Modern Languages, and that language learning is an enriching experience, not just a means to succeed in examinations.