The importance of modern foreign languages

Through the study of a foreign language, students understand and appreciate different countries, cultures, people and communities - and as they do so, begin to think of themselves as citizens of the world as well as of the United Kingdom. Students also learn about the basic structures of language. They explore the similarities and differences between the foreign language they are learning and English or another language, and learn how language can be manipulated and applied in different ways.

Their listening, reading and memory skills improve, and their speaking and writing become more accurate. The development of these skills, together with students' knowledge and understanding of the structure of language, lay the foundations for future study of other languages.