In an increasingly multi-cultural world it is essential to understand the process of language learning so that communication barriers are broken down.
By learning a language, Henley High students not only develop the skills to communicate in another of the world's major languages, but also to be accommodating of difficulties non-English speaker have when communicating with them.
In year 7 pupils are offered two hours per week of French and one hour per week of Spanish. This continues until the end of Year 9 where pupils make their option choices. One set of pupils who find learning two languages too onerous are offered only French.

Key Stage 3

At the start of Year 7, many students have little or no prior knowledge of other languages. We endeavour to make language lessons fun and active in order to create an enthusiasm for the subject that will take the students on to more serious study in Key Stage 4.
In line with The National Framework, the focus in Key Stage 3 is on how to learn a language, how to recognise and use patterns and structure and how to develop strategies to make learning easier.
At KS3 the topics included are:-

• Family
• Home
• School
• Leisure activities
• In town
• Food and drink
• Clothes
• Holidays
• Daily routine

All students are assessed in the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, students study for the GCSE examination. The study of function and grammar becomes more in depth as students learn to express their opinions on key topics.
Students draw on prior knowledge and develop their ability to express themselves and to understand the differing way of life in French and Spanish speaking countries around the world.
At KS4 the topics included are:-

• My World
• Holiday time & travel
• Work & lifestyle
• The young person in society
• Leisure and Tourism

Students are assessed in all four skills: a Speaking examination (the "Oral") conducted by their own class teacher; a Written examination; a Reading examination and a Listening examination (the "Aural").