Haileybury Almaty

 

Strengthening study skills:

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It is undeniable that pupils of all abilities benefit from learning a foreign language. It develops their personal and social skills. It strengthens study skills such as analysis, selecting, ordering, memorising and drawing inferences. It develops tolerance towards other cultures. It provides enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. It promotes a sense of achievement and discovery as well as an awareness of the nature of language.

Learning about French culture:

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But learning French is not just about developing linguistic competence, it is also about developing an international outlook; it involves learning about French culture. One of the key concepts that support the study of foreign languages is the “intercultural understanding”. At Haileybury Almaty, not only do pupils learn to understand and to communicate effectively, they also learn about everyday life in France, traditions, school life, festivals, events of national importance, etc.

Looking ahead:

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As pupils’ French skills progressively improve in the coming years, the French Department is looking forward to developing the opportunities to communicate in the target language with native speakers in real purpose situations. This could be by email (sending and receiving), through videoconferencing or during visits in a French speaking country.
Communicating with native speakers in their own country is particularly relevant and can be very motivating for pupils.