Entente Cordiale at APS

The European Day of Languages saw an entente cordiale sealed when Sixth Form students from Altrincham Grammar School taught French to their young neighbours at Altrincham Preparatory School.

Top languages students from AGS's Year 12 read stories in French to Year 3 pupils from APS in an exercise designed to benefit both age groups. Claire Hammond, APS French teacher, said: "Educational research has shown that the earlier children start to learn a foreign language the more likely they are to become competent linguists. At APS we start French from the age of three in our Nursery and gradually develop their skills as they move through the school. Our work with AGS is an important part of that process."

Mrs Hammond added: "Our boys reacted superbly to the older pupils from AGS who were just like big brothers to them and demonstrated just what could be achieved if they continue to work hard in class." Hilary Meadowcroft, Director of Languages at AGS, added: "For our young men it was a great opportunity to put their skills into practice and to develop teaching and mentoring skills." All the AGS boys are hoping to study Modern Foreign Languages related options at university.

AGS Sixth Former Michael Chrystal said: "Learning a language enables you not only to do business with another country but to form long lasting productive relationships." He added: "It's simply not true that every other country is adopting English."

Pictured is AGS linguist Hedayat Javidi with APS young French student Jude.