Modern Foreign Languages
Our pupils begin learning French from Kindergarten, giving them an exceptional early foundation in modern languages at a stage when their ability to absorb new sounds and structures is at its strongest. Through immersive routines, songs, stories and purposeful classroom conversation, pupils develop confident pronunciation, strong listening skills and an intuitive grasp of vocabulary and grammar. As they move up the school, this early fluency grows into a deeper understanding of linguistic structure, cultural awareness and expressive communication, preparing them superbly for the advanced language pathways offered by their next schools.
Our wider languages provision further strengthens this progression. Pupils may opt into our popular Mandarin Club, where they explore one of the world’s most significant global languages, and all children encounter German through our enrichment programme, broadening their linguistic horizons and strengthening cognitive flexibility. This rich journey culminates in Form 4, when pupils write, rehearse and perform their own original French plays. This ambitious project brings together language learning, drama and collaborative creativity, allowing children to use French authentically and imaginatively while developing performance skills, teamwork and expressive confidence.
It is a distinctive highlight of the St John’s curriculum and a powerful demonstration of how academic challenge, cultural curiosity and joyful creativity thrive side by side.
Forms 5 and 6 have the opportunity to take part in the prestigious Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, a national competition that celebrates excellence in modern languages. Each year, pupils who choose to enter work on translating French poetry into English, engaging with a task that demands far more than a literal, word‑for‑word approach. They explore meaning, tone, rhythm and stylistic detail, developing advanced linguistic awareness and creative problem‑solving skills. From the strong field of translations produced in School, the five most accomplished pieces at each level are selected for submission to the national judging panel, ensuring that our entries reflect the very best of St John’s language learning.
Latin
Pupils at St John’s begin learning Latin in Form 3, giving them an early and exciting introduction to the foundations of language, storytelling and the roots of modern vocabulary. Learning Latin at prep school strengthens pupils’ understanding of English grammar, builds confidence with language patterns and supports the study of French, Spanish and other Romance languages. As children move through Senior House, they explore how Latin links to history, mythology and wider cultural ideas, developing curiosity, analytical skill and a deeper appreciation of language. This rich journey in classical learning reaches a highlight in Form 6, when some pupils take part in the annual 'Ludi Scaenici' Latin Play Competition.
In 2025 our Latinists achieved an outstanding victory with their original play Gloria Ariadnae, performed entirely in Latin and celebrated for its expressive dialogue, bold storytelling and imaginative stagecraft. In just over a week, the cast created the script, music and staging, mastering their lines in an ancient language and turning classical study into a vibrant theatrical experience.
Their achievement captures the spirit of Latin at St John’s, where learning is adventurous, collaborative and joyfully brought to life.