French is taught by three subject specialists to all children from Year 1 in the Pre-Prep as part of the normal school curriculum.  The early exposure to a foreign language facilitates the acquisition of that language and the learning of other languages later in life.  Many of our pupils go on to study a foreign language at A Level and beyond.

There are two visits to France every year, one for 11 year olds and the
other for 12 year olds.  These visits contribute enormously to the success of the children at Common Entrance and scholarship exams.

• Letter to 4th Year parents re: trip to France
• Letter to 5th Year parents re: trip to France

The links we have forged with Normandy culminates for Year 6 pupils (11 year olds) in a visit to the town of Villequier, well known because of France’s great poet, Victor Hugo, and his famous poem, ‘A Villequier’, written on the death of his beloved daughter, Leopoldine.  There the children have the opportunity to visit the Victor Hugo museum where they learn about the life and work of this great man. 

During their week, the children stay in a chateau and follow a programme of educational, cultural and social visits in order to get them better acquainted with France, its language and culture.

They visit the College Pierre Mendes France in Lillebonne and spend the morning at the school talking to their French pen friends.  The discussions are a great eye opener for the children.  They learn about each other’s customs, school and home life in a very informal manner and for the children
of both countries, it is a wonderful opportunity to practise the language learnt in the classroom, forge new friendships and broaden their horizons.

As part of the introduction to the French way of life, the children meet the Mayor of a commune in Normandy who gives them a talk about the role of a mayor in France.  This is generally followed by a lively question and answer session and children find this encounter very inspiring.

At the Victor Hugo museum, they attend an art workshop and learn to write
and paint in the manner of the great writer and artist. They visit places of interest such as Rouen, Monet’s garden in Giverny, an old style French bakery, a market where they practise their French with the locals whilst buying their lunch which is then displayed for a competition.

They also spend a day in Paris where they are able to appreciate some of the cultural wealth that the capital has to offer.

Children in Year 7 (12 year olds) spend a week in another chateau, again in
Normandy, where they follow a programme of activities under close supervision of French moniteurs designed to help them practise the language and become better acquainted with French culture.

To give the children a fuller appreciation of their European origin, and to raise awareness of Europe’s multilingual wealth, we also organise an Italian immersion week for Year 8 pupils and an Italian Club for pupils of any
age who want to learn a second foreign language.

The study of foreign languages help the children of St Hugh’s to be outward looking, mix easily, keen to communicate with their peers and eager to get the most of what this world has to offer.