Languages News

Lucie Dickens, Academic Dean of Languages

Welcome to the new Languages classrooms!

Most of the Languages lessons are now taught in dedicated spaces, which were set up at the start of the year. 

As we continue to implement the Kilvington teaching model, it has been fascinating to observe the positive impact on students learning in visually and culturally engaging Languages classrooms.

For language teachers, a well-designed classroom is more than just a space — it’s a gateway to immersive learning. For students, these environments play a crucial role in language acquisition, making learning interactive, meaningful and memorable.

Authentic cultural displays, such as posters, maps, artefacts and student-created work, provide constant exposure to the target language and its context. This helps learners develop cultural awareness and see language as a living, dynamic tool, rather than just a subject to study. 

A visually stimulating environment reinforces vocabulary retention through visual cues, aiding memory and comprehension.

Interactive elements like multilingual labels, themed corners and cultural displays encourage curiosity and active participation.

When students are immersed in a rich, inviting atmosphere, they are more likely to take risks, engage in discussions and develop a deeper connection to the language. Ultimately, an engaging classroom fosters motivation, confidence and long-term language acquisition.

I'd like to thank our dedicated languages staff for creating beautiful spaces in rooms MSC3, MSC4 and SC19. It is in these rooms that they can deliver engaging and dynamic programs, allowing students to excel and feel motivated to learn French or Japanese.

STUDENT COMMENTS

We recently surveyed Kilvington students and this is what they had to say about the Japanese and French rooms:

I like the Ema display at the back of the classroom, along with all the displays in the room helping us to learn Japanese.

I like the setup of all the cultural things around the room and how the tables are set in a way where we can all see the screens, but still be in collaborative groups.

I like the MSC4 classroom because the furniture and Japanese items in the room create an immersive experience. 

I like that the classroom is decorated to match the language we are learning. Since I'm learning French, there is French vocabulary around the classroom. In case I get stuck, I can take a look around the classroom to help me.

In MSC4, there are Japanese kanji and hiragana displayed on the walls. This is helpful in case I forget a letter.

The calming atmosphere helps me keep calm and happy, especially during tests. It feels welcoming every time I come into the classroom.

Having a set room for French helps me transition into the mindset to learn a language.