Academics

Vision

The Biology department at St Lawrence College aims to inspire curiosity about the natural world, empower students with essential knowledge of biological concepts, and develop practical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills. By fostering a love for science, we prepare students to appreciate the relevance of biology, pursue academic success, and gain a deeper understanding of scientific methods.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our curriculum provides a well-rounded exploration of biology through a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning:

GCSE: Students follow a linear course, undertaking two final exams. Topics include cell biology, genetics, ecology, homeostasis, and bioenergetics, encouraging a holistic understanding of biology and its real-world applications.

A-Level: Divided into six modules, the course extends from practical skills and foundations in biology to topics such as biodiversity, genetics, ecosystems, and homeostasis. Students gain opportunities for in-depth study, with a focus on independent learning and critical analysis.

Lessons are tailored to suit different learning styles and abilities through differentiated instruction, flexible tasks, and engaging teaching methods. Small class sizes allow for personalised guidance, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.

Skills and Career Pathways

Biology equips students with a wide range of valuable skills including:

Critical Thinking: Evaluating evidence, forming hypotheses, and solving scientific problems.

Research Skills: Designing experiments, analysing data, conducting literature reviews, and interpreting findings.

Communication: Presenting complex scientific ideas effectively through written reports or oral presentations.

Collaboration and Ethical Reasoning: Engaging in teamwork and tackling ethical dilemmas in areas like genetics and environmental conservation.

These skills open pathways to careers in medicine, research, biotechnology, conservation, healthcare, and many other fields where problem-solving and analytical thinking are central.

Beyond the Classroom

Students have access to enriching opportunities that enhance their learning experience:

Annual field trips to Botany Bay to study the impact of changing tides on species distribution.

Visits to the Science Museum, fostering curiosity about innovations in biology.

Unique experiences such as observing a live autopsy ignite interest in healthcare and human biology.

These activities allow students to see biology in action, deepening their engagement and understanding of the subject.

Meet the Head of Biology

Theresa Cupido, Head of Biology, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to St Lawrence College. Passionate about nurturing a love for science, Theresa incorporates laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and research projects into her teaching to create immersive learning experiences. She champions critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and inclusivity, ensuring every student feels empowered to succeed. Theresa’s dedication to fostering curiosity and problem-solving equips students with the skills to thrive in biology and beyond.

Vision

The Chemistry department delivers an exceptional education that fosters independent study skills, builds confidence in chemical principles, and develops problem-solving abilities. We aim to help students appreciate the importance of chemistry in their future careers and the wider world.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our curriculum provides a strong foundation in chemical concepts while encouraging critical thinking and practical application.

Key Stages:

GCSE: Covers atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, and real-world applications of science. Practical lab work is a key focus.

A-Level: Builds on GCSE topics with advanced study in thermodynamics, organic mechanisms, transition metals, and more. Students develop sophisticated lab and analytical skills through hands-on experimentation.

We adapt lessons to suit diverse skill levels, offering targeted support and enriching challenges. Our practical, interactive teaching methods keep students engaged and ensure they achieve their full potential.

Skills and Career Pathways

Chemistry equips students with analytical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. It strengthens communication, collaboration, and mathematical abilities while fostering resilience and time management. These skills prepare students for careers in medicine, scientific research, forensics, environmental science, and more. Chemistry also serves as a foundation for roles in technology, pharmacy, engineering, and beyond.

Beyond the Classroom

Students participate in activities like the Chemistry Olympiad and Schools Analyst Competition, where they enhance their understanding in a competitive setting. Trips to university lectures and research seminars expose students to cutting-edge advancements in the field, inspiring future study and exploration.

Meet the Head of Chemistry

Our Head of Chemistry earned their degree from the University of Bristol and brings a passion for education and innovation to the department. They use technology, including interactive web animations created with JavaScript, to make learning chemistry engaging and accessible. Outside the classroom, they are an avid triathlete, inspiring students to balance academic excellence with personal discipline and resilience. Their goal is to cultivate a love for chemistry and equip students with the skills to succeed in their futures.

Vision

The Mathematics department is dedicated to providing a challenging and inspiring education that fosters a love for mathematics. We aim to develop students’ problem-solving abilities, mathematical fluency, and confidence, ensuring they achieve academic success and are equipped with skills for real-world applications. Through high-quality teaching and tailored support, we inspire resilience and prepare students for diverse futures, whether in academics or professional fields.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our curriculum offers a strong foundation in mathematical principles, balancing theory with problem-solving applications to suit all learners.

Key Topics:

KS3: Mastery approach with White Rose Mathematics, focusing on fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving.

KS4: IGCSE curriculum covering number, algebra, geometry, and statistics, with Additional Mathematics for higher-attainers and Functional Skills for foundational learners.

KS5: Options include A-Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Core Mathematics, and a resit programme.

We tailor our approach to meet diverse needs, providing differentiated pathways and targeted interventions to help every student reach their potential. With lessons focusing on retrieval practice and real-world applications, students remain engaged and confident in their mathematical growth.

Skills and Career Pathways

Studying mathematics builds critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Students enhance their numeracy, analysis, and communication skills while developing resilience and precision. These skills prepare them for careers in engineering, physics, finance, data science, and medicine, as well as roles in law, journalism, and education. Mathematics lays the groundwork for success in a data-driven world.

Beyond the Classroom

Students take part in opportunities like the UKMT Maths Challenge and Olympiad, as well as lunchtime clubs and study clinics. Maths conferences, guest speakers, and cross-curricular activities further enhance learning, while enrichment sessions provide tailored support and stretch students’ abilities.

Meet the Head of Mathematics

Mark Ravenwood leads the Mathematics department with a passion for excellence and innovation. With a rich background in teaching and curriculum development, he supports students of all abilities to excel academically. Mark also serves as Housemaster for Newlands House, creating a supportive environment for students.

Beyond teaching, he runs popular clubs like Tabletop RPGs and Robot Wars, where students build and compete with robots. He also organises thrilling weekend activities such as escape rooms and paintballing. Mark’s dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, ensuring students thrive both academically and personally.

Vision

The Physics department strives to provide a high-quality education that inspires and supports all students. We aim to raise academic standards, engage students through interactive learning, and promote independent study skills and intellectual confidence. Our goal is to cultivate a lifelong passion for physics and equip students with the tools to thrive in a science-driven world.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our physics curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to foster a deep understanding of the subject.

Key Topics:

KS3: Energy, Forces, Motion, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism

KS4: Energy Resources, Forces, Waves, Electromagnetism, Space, Matter

KS5: Mechanics, Electricity, Quantum Physics (Year 1); Fields, Thermodynamics, Medical Physics (Year 2)

We adapt to individual needs through differentiated tasks, peer support, hands-on experiments, and research opportunities in topics like quantum mechanics and dark matter. By connecting physics concepts to real-world phenomena, we ensure learning remains engaging and relevant.

Skills and Career Pathways

Studying physics enables students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical abilities, and mathematical proficiency. It fosters research, collaboration, and communication skills while preparing students for careers in engineering, astrophysics, medicine, and more.

Beyond the Classroom

Students enjoy a variety of enrichment opportunities, such as guest lectures, STEM competitions, and science fairs. Exciting trips include visits to the Michael Faraday Museum, CERN, and Greenwich Observatory, inspiring students to explore physics beyond the textbook.

Meet the Head of Physics

Eleni Kouthouri, Head of Physics and Science, holds a Physics degree from the University of Athens and has a passion for astronomy and the history of science. She is dedicated to sparking curiosity and helping students appreciate their place in the universe and the evolution of scientific discovery.

Vision

The Art and Photography department at St Lawrence College is dedicated to fostering creativity, individuality, and artistic excellence. We aim to empower students to express their ideas with originality, build confidence in their abilities, and develop essential skills in problem-solving, communication, and critical analysis. Our inclusive and dynamic environment inspires students to appreciate cultural heritage and equips them with the tools needed for success in today’s creative world.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Students benefit from a comprehensive and progressive curriculum:

Key Stage 3: Focused on drawing, recording, and idea development, students explore diverse techniques with projects that encourage experimentation and creative thinking.

GCSE (Key Stage 4): Following the AQA Art & Design specification, students engage in sustained projects that refine technical skills and conceptual development.

A-Level (Key Stage 5): Offering specialisation in Art, Craft & Design or Photography, students explore independent ideas, experiment with materials, and build confidence in their creative practice.

The curriculum is tailored to inspire and support every individual, with open-ended tasks, individual guidance, and small group work. This flexibility allows students to flourish creatively, regardless of their starting point.

Skills and Career Pathways

Through Art and Photography, students gain invaluable creative and professional skills, including:

Drawing and observational techniques

Experimentation with materials, sculpture, and digital editing

Critical thinking, problem-solving, and visual literacy

Independence, resilience, and effective communication

These skills open doors to a wide variety of creative careers, such as fine art, graphic design, photography, UX/UI design, branding, and curation. The knowledge and experience students gain also transfer to a broad range of industries where innovation and visual communication are prized.

Beyond the Classroom

Opportunities outside the classroom enrich the creative experience:

Trips and cultural immersion: Visits to London galleries, the Turner Contemporary, and international destinations like New York.

Workshops and specialist learning: Life drawing classes, visiting practitioners, and advanced sessions in printmaking, textiles, and more.

Exhibitions and competitions: Showcasing student work in the department’s gallery or entering prestigious national competitions like the Royal Academy Competition and the Turner Contemporary Portfolio.

Extended learning: Portfolio preparation, enrichment sessions, and holiday courses support students’ artistic growth.

These activities ensure students engage deeply with the art world, refine their skills, and build confidence in their abilities.

Meet the Head of Art and Photography

The Head of Art and Photography has led the department at St Lawrence College for seven years, bringing extensive experience from a Fine Art background. A graduate in Painting with a deep passion for expressive and experimental techniques, they inspire students to explore their creativity and critical thinking. Beyond teaching, they enjoy literature, theatre, and long walks in the Lake District, all of which feed into their enthusiasm for the creative process. Their vision is to guide the next generation of artists while continuing to explore their own artistic practice in the future.

Vision

The Design Technology department inspires students to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers, equipping them with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. Through hands-on learning in product design, engineering, and digital fabrication, we foster creativity, technical expertise, and curiosity, preparing students to turn their ideas into reality.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our multidisciplinary curriculum evolves through each stage, combining foundational principles with advanced techniques and real-world applications.

Key Stages:

KS3: Introduction to design principles, materials, CAD, and technical drawing across areas like product design, textiles, and electronics.

KS4: GCSE focuses on user-centred design, sustainability, and advanced CAD/CAM skills, with 50% coursework and 50% exam.

KS5: A-Level includes engineering principles, digital design, and sustainable technology, preparing students for professional applications.

The curriculum adapts to students’ interests and abilities through personalised projects and flexible learning, ensuring every student finds a pathway that engages and challenges them.

Skills and Career Pathways

Students develop a blend of technical, creative, and transferable skills, including critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, and resilience. These prepare them for careers in engineering, architecture, UX/UI design, sustainable technologies, robotics, or entrepreneurship. Design Technology equips students with the toolkit to thrive in fields requiring problem-solving and creativity.

Beyond the Classroom

Students enjoy enrichment opportunities, such as design competitions like Design Ventura and guest workshops led by industry experts. Exciting extracurriculars include Robot Wars and DT Ambassadors, allowing students to mentor peers and showcase their work. Trips to the Design Museum and V&A inspire creativity and connect students with the wider world of design.

Meet the Head of Design Technology

Mr. Cross leads the Design Technology department with extensive teaching experience and a remarkable background as a high-performance swim coach, including designing specialised equipment for Paralympic swimmers. His passion for innovation and problem-solving drives students to explore and create meaningful design solutions. Under his guidance, students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, preparing them to excel in Design Technology and beyond.

Vision

The Media Studies department aims to equip students with a critical understanding of media’s influence on society while fostering creativity, analytical skills, and independent thought. We focus on developing media literacy and practical expertise, preparing students for both academic success and real-world opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our KS5 curriculum blends comprehensive theory with practical applications to provide a dynamic learning experience.

Key Topics:

Media language, representation, industries, and audiences

Media forms such as television, film, advertising, music videos, online and social media

Media theories by Stuart Hall, bell hooks, and Jean Baudrillard

Students also gain hands-on experience in filmmaking, editing, photography, and digital production. The curriculum is tailored to individual interests through differentiated lessons, group discussions, and creative coursework that allows students to explore topics that resonate with them personally.

Skills and Career Pathways

Media Studies enables students to develop critical thinking, analysis, research, and practical media production skills. It builds strong communication and teamwork abilities while fostering digital literacy and creativity essential for careers in journalism, broadcasting, film production, marketing, PR, social media management, and media regulation.

Beyond the Classroom

Students benefit from industry talks, workshops, and extracurricular activities like photography and podcasting. Enriching trips include Media conferences, the New York Media Tour, and visits to the British Film Institute and cultural exhibitions, connecting academic study with real-world inspiration.

Meet the Head of Media Studies

Since launching Media Studies at St Lawrence College in 2019, I have built a highly successful program with strong academic results. Passionate about media and performance, I bring industry experience in editing, talent management, and music video production to enrich the course. I have also led the extracurricular drama program, sharing my enthusiasm for creativity inside and outside the classroom.

Vision

The Music department inspires and empowers every student to reach their full musical potential. By offering opportunities to play, compose, listen to, and engage with a wide range of music, we aim to enrich students’ lives both now and in the future.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our curriculum combines creativity with skill-building across all stages:

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9): Students develop their performing, composing, and appraising skills through diverse topics such as Jazz, Musical Elements, World Music, and Popular Music styles. Activities include working with live instruments and Music Technology.

GCSE (Years 10-11): Following the Eduqas syllabus, students are assessed in performing (30%), composing (30%), and appraising (40%), covering Western Classical Music, Music for Stage and Screen, and Popular Music.

A-Level (Sixth Form): Students explore their strengths in performance, composition, and appraising, with tailored specialisation opportunities using the Eduqas syllabus.

The department provides individualised support based on student abilities, offering tailored resources, and encouraging progression at every level.

Skills and Career Pathways

Music fosters a range of skills from critical thinking and research to leadership and teamwork. Learning an instrument boosts concentration, independence, and creativity, while performance and collaboration build confidence and resilience. These skills prepare students for careers as musicians, composers, educators, and roles in arts administration, marketing, and artist management. Beyond music-specific roles, employers value the cultural and leadership skills honed through musical training.

Beyond the Classroom

Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including ensembles such as Senior and Kirby Choirs, Orchestra, Rock Band, and Flexiband. Performance opportunities are plentiful, with concerts and music theatre productions in collaboration with the Drama department.

Trips and Visits

The Music department organises visits to professional concerts and productions, giving students the chance to experience live performances and explore a variety of musical genres.

Meet the Head of Music

Dr. Jon Williams is an accomplished pianist, organist, and singer, with over 20 years of experience leading music departments. He holds two music degrees from Durham University and a PhD focusing on English music from the late 17th to early 18th centuries. Beyond teaching, Dr. Williams is an active performer, serving as Musical Director for Dover Choral Society and singing with the Choral Foundation of Canterbury Cathedral for over 30 years. Passionate about education and performance, his leadership ensures each student thrives musically at St Lawrence College.

Vision

The Physical Education department aims to inspire a lifelong love of physical activity in every student, helping them discover the forms of exercise and sport that best suit them. Our goal is to foster personal growth, confidence, and a commitment to well-being through an engaging and inclusive environment.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our curriculum balances practical skills with theoretical knowledge across all stages:

Key Stage 3: Students participate in badminton, basketball, health-related exercise, outdoor education, athletics, and tennis. Year 9 also explores theoretical topics, including body systems, skill acquisition, commercialisation of sport, and health performance.

GCSE (KS4): Following the Edexcel GCSE PE Specification, students deepen their understanding of physical education concepts and practices.

A-Level (KS5): Students study the AQA PE Specification and have the option to complete the Sports Leaders Award. Cutting-edge video analysis software supports detailed performance evaluation.

The curriculum is reviewed each year to ensure it meets the needs of each cohort. Resources and equipment are carefully chosen to promote inclusion and engagement for all abilities.

Skills and Career Pathways

PE develops core skills such as collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking, alongside subject-specific capabilities like performance analysis and evaluation. Students gain experience in:

Communication and teamwork

Strategy and planning

Digital/IT proficiency

Empathy and leadership

These skills open doors to careers such as teaching, coaching, sports psychology, leisure management, journalism, and roles with national governing bodies.

Beyond the Classroom

Students are encouraged to extend their learning through additional activities like clinics, officiating, coaching, and mentoring. These opportunities allow them to develop leadership and practical skills while fostering a deeper understanding of sport.

Trips and Visits

The department enhances learning with trips to sports events and university fitness and rehabilitation facilities, giving students firsthand exposure to professional environments and cutting-edge techniques.

Meet the Head of Physical Education

Sam Clark brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Head of Physical Education. A graduate of De Montfort University with a BEd in PE and History, Sam has 28 years of teaching experience in prestigious independent schools, including King’s College Taunton and The King’s School Canterbury. A former National League hockey player, Sam has also managed the England U21 and Great Britain U23 Women’s hockey programmes. With a passion for education and sport, Sam ensures students thrive both on and off the field.

Vision

The Economics and Business department aims to inspire a deep understanding of economic and business principles while equipping students with vital skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and independence. Our ultimate goal is to ensure students transition confidently into higher education, apprenticeships, or the workforce. Many of our students go on to study economics and business at leading universities, reflecting the strength of our program.

Curriculum and Individual Support

We offer dynamic courses that balance theoretical knowledge with practical application:

IGCSE Business (Years 10-11): Introduces business activity, marketing, operational management, finance, and the external influences on business.

A-Level Economics (Sixth Form): Covers microeconomics (production, costs, market structures, and inequality) and macroeconomics (economic performance, monetary policy, international economy, and development).

A-Level Business (Sixth Form): Explores business objectives, marketing strategies, operations, human resources, finance, and global business issues.

Students benefit from expertly crafted resources, such as chapter overviews, case studies, and exemplar answers. Personalised opportunities like participation in international essay competitions further enrich their learning experience.

Skills and Career Pathways

Economics and Business cultivate transferable skills such as numeracy, literacy, problem-solving, research, and communication. Students learn to evaluate data, form reasoned arguments, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. These skills open doors to careers in banking, law, finance, marketing, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Our students’ achievements in international essay competitions highlight their readiness for future academic and professional success.

Beyond the Classroom

Extracurricular opportunities provide practical experiences beyond the curriculum:

International Essay Competitions: Students tackle socio-economic challenges such as inequality or artificial intelligence, achieving high participation and shortlisting rates.

Enterprise Activities: Students gain hands-on business experience by managing their own ventures or exploring successful enterprises.

Personal Finance Courses: From Year 7 through Sixth Form, these programs prepare students to confidently manage finances in adulthood.

Trips and Visits

We enrich students’ education with visits to businesses such as Shepherd Neame, Fujifilm, and the Bank of England. Alumni links also provide valuable insights into careers in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Meet the Head of Economics and Business

The Head of Economics and Business studied economics at Exeter University before joining a Barclays graduate program, later transitioning into teaching. Over their career, they’ve held leadership roles in education and contributed to national academic success stories, including students excelling in prestigious positions at the Bank of England and beyond. Outside of school, they enjoy outdoor sports, art, photography, and traveling, particularly in Austria, which they frequently visit with their family. Their passion for economics and business is reflected in their commitment to student success and well-rounded development.

Vision

The Geography department at St Lawrence College is dedicated to building a rich culture of geographical understanding across the school. By nurturing transferable and subject-specific skills, we aim to prepare students for future challenges while deepening their appreciation of the interconnected world around them.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our curriculum combines theory, real-world application, and fieldwork to provide a comprehensive geographical education:

Key Stage 3: Students explore human and physical geography topics, such as climate, tectonic hazards, rivers, and global case studies, while developing essential skills through hands-on fieldwork.

IGCSE (Years 10-11): The course covers themes such as economic development, natural hazards, resource management, and coastal and urban environments. Students enhance their geographical skills through field trips and coursework.

A-Level (Sixth Form): Following the AQA syllabus, students focus on advanced topics like urban geography, global governance, and the carbon cycle. Coursework allows them to tailor their learning to their personal interests, supported by fieldwork opportunities in urban and environmental settings.

The department supports all learners by connecting their individual experiences of place with geographical theory, ensuring concepts are accessible and engaging.

Skills and Career Pathways

Geography develops critical transferable skills, including:

Critical thinking and evaluation

Data interpretation using maps and graphs

Research, analysis, and written communication

An understanding of key geographical concepts like scale, place, and sustainability

These skills prepare students for diverse career paths, such as urban planning, environmental management, risk analysis, and teaching, or broader roles in law, journalism, and business.

Beyond the Classroom

Fieldwork and outdoor learning are at the core of our approach. Students enjoy hands-on opportunities every year, exploring weather patterns on campus, coastal environments, rivers, and urban regeneration projects. These activities deepen their understanding and bring geography to life beyond the classroom.

Trips and Visits

The department takes full advantage of the local area and beyond, with highlights including:

Coastal fieldwork in Thanet and Reculver

Urban regeneration studies in Margate and Stratford, East London

Investigations at river and urban sites, linking theory to real-world applications

Meet the Head of Geography

The Head of Geography is a passionate human geographer, inspired by their upbringing on a family farm in Wiltshire. After earning a BA in Geography, they began teaching at St Lawrence College in 2016, where their enthusiasm for the subject has flourished. With a commitment to fostering curiosity and critical thinking, they ensure every student gains a strong foundation in geography while exploring the beauty and complexity of the world around them.

Vision

The History department at St Lawrence College aims to develop students into analytical thinkers capable of making informed judgments about the past and its connections to the present. Through the study of significant events in British, European, and world history, students gain a deeper understanding of change, continuity, and the complexities of human societies. We aspire to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual confidence, equipping students with transferable skills that support both academic success and personal growth.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our History curriculum provides a broad and engaging historical education across three key stages:

Key Stage 3: Covers British history from 1066 to 1945, alongside thematic studies in European and global history, including Native Americans, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise of European dictatorships.

Key Stage 4: Focuses on Modern History through Cambridge iGCSE, exploring international relations (1919-1989) and an in-depth study of Nazi Germany.

Key Stage 5: A-Level topics include the Wars of the Roses, the USA’s emergence as a superpower (1865-1975), and British India.

We tailor learning through diverse teaching methods such as debates, group discussions, independent research, and innovative use of technology. Differentiated resources and personalised support ensure all students thrive according to their abilities.

Skills and Career Pathways

History provides students with highly transferable skills, including critical thinking, research, effective communication, and the ability to evaluate sources and evidence. These skills prepare students for careers in law, journalism, politics, education, heritage, and beyond. With its emphasis on understanding different perspectives and constructing well-supported arguments, History equips students for a wide range of professional futures.

Beyond the Classroom

Students benefit from enrichment activities such as History clubs, research projects, and essay competitions. These opportunities deepen their passion for the subject and develop their skills beyond the curriculum.

Trips and Visits

To enhance their studies, students visit key historical sites, including Ramsgate’s wartime tunnels, Dover Castle, World War I battlefields in France and Belgium, and Berlin. These trips bring history to life and provide invaluable insights into the topics studied in class.

Meet the Head of History

With a degree in History from the University of Kent, the Head of History has a particular passion for modern history, focusing on topics such as the myth of the Blitz. Committed to innovation, they are especially interested in integrating new technology into teaching to inspire students and make history more interactive and engaging. Their enthusiasm ensures every student has the opportunity to develop a deep and meaningful connection with the subject.

Vision

The Modern Foreign Languages department inspires a love of languages and a curiosity about different countries and cultures. Our aim is to nurture an international mindset that is knowledgeable, empathetic, and confident. By exploring new languages, students open doors to opportunities that enhance their understanding of the world and their place within it.

Curriculum and Individual Support

Our curriculum balances practical language application with cultural exploration:

Key Stage 3: Students focus on transactional language, learning to describe themselves, their surroundings, and express opinions. This foundation develops strong vocabulary and grammar skills while fostering confidence in communication.

GCSE and A-Level: Following the AQA syllabus, students deepen their language proficiency and engage with the culture of the target language through challenging, hands-on lessons.

Classes are small, allowing for tailored teaching that adapts to individual needs. Differentiation, collaboration in pairs or teams, and regular feedback ensure every student is supported in their learning.

Skills and Career Pathways

Studying a foreign language develops a wide range of valuable skills, including:

Cognitive flexibility by identifying patterns

Attention to detail and accuracy

Resilience and problem-solving when navigating texts and situations

Advanced oral and listening abilities, boosting confidence and communication

These skills prepare students for an interconnected world and open pathways to careers in education, translation, law, journalism, and many other fields where cultural intelligence is an asset.

Beyond the Classroom

We enrich the student experience through language clubs, clinics, and by encouraging interaction within the school’s international community. These opportunities create a vibrant learning environment and foster peer connections across cultures.

Trips and Visits

To bring language learning to life, the department offers immersive trips, including a Year 7 and 8 visit to Northern France. Future trips to Madrid and Paris are also planned, providing senior students with firsthand cultural and linguistic experiences.

Meet the Head of Modern Foreign Languages

The Head of Modern Foreign Languages brings over 30 years of teaching and leadership experience, both in the UK and internationally. Born in London to a Spanish father and Portuguese mother, they are deeply passionate about languages and curious about their impact on brain development. Currently learning Egyptian Arabic, their commitment to both teaching and personal learning reflects their enthusiasm for the subject. Students benefit from their wealth of knowledge and dedication to language education at St Lawrence College.