At Pownall Hall School, learning a language is about far more than vocabulary lists and correct endings. It is about helping children develop confidence, resilience and the willingness to speak up – even when they are not entirely sure they are right.
From an early age, children are encouraged to listen carefully, remember patterns, take risks and communicate with others. Languages are presented as something to enjoy and to use, not something to fear. This steady, supportive approach allows pupils to grow into confident language learners who are happy to have a go and comfortable speaking aloud.
Modern Foreign Languages at Pownall are taught by specialists and form a valued part of the wider curriculum, supporting memory, concentration and communication across all subjects.
Mme Nathalie Pettecrew – MA, PGCE
Mme Petticrew leads Modern Foreign Languages at Pownall Hall School and teaches both French and German across the school. She is passionate about helping children develop confidence, resilience and a positive attitude to language learning from the very start.
With a calm, encouraging approach, Mme Petticrew creates lessons where children feel safe to speak, experiment and make mistakes. She places equal value on communication and understanding, helping pupils build strong foundations that prepare them well for senior school languages and for engaging with the wider world.
Speaking aloud in another language can feel daunting, particularly for younger children. At Pownall, confidence is built carefully and deliberately.
Children begin by learning together – chanting, singing and playing games where participation matters more than perfection. Repetition, rhythm and familiar routines help children feel secure, while praise is focused on effort and communication rather than accuracy alone.
As pupils grow, they are taught how language works. Grammar is introduced as a helpful tool, not a barrier, enabling children to build their own sentences and express ideas rather than simply repeat learned phrases. Role-play, games and discussion encourage children to talk about themselves, their interests and the world around them.
Mistakes are treated as part of learning, and every child is supported to find their voice.
By the time pupils reach Form 6, they are confident and capable language learners.
In French, children are able to:
understand the main points of spoken and written texts
recognise pronunciation patterns and read unfamiliar words with confidence
take part in short conversations, asking and answering questions
express opinions and give simple reasons
write short paragraphs using adapted language and accurate structures
German is introduced in Prep to broaden understanding rather than add pressure. Learning a second language helps pupils recognise patterns, transfer skills and deepen their understanding of how language works. German often appeals to children who enjoy structure and logic, and many pupils take real pride in mastering its similarities with English.
Children enjoy the challenge, and confidence gained in one language strengthens progress in the other.
2
Languages taught as part of the curriculum
0-11yrs
Weekly specialist-led French lessons
Prep
German introduced into the curriculum
3
Annual events celebrating languages
Language lessons at Pownall are always taught in context. Children learn about food, traditions and festivals, sing traditional songs and discuss similarities and differences between cultures.
This approach helps pupils understand that languages are about people, not just words. It encourages respect, curiosity about others and an openness to the wider world – qualities that matter just as much as linguistic accuracy.
Pownall pupils arrive at senior school well prepared for language learning. They are confident speaking aloud, willing to participate and comfortable working with unfamiliar vocabulary and structures.
Senior schools consistently comment on pupils’ positive attitude to languages and their readiness to engage fully in lessons. Strong learning habits, secure foundations and confidence in communication allow children to settle quickly and make rapid progress.
More importantly, pupils leave Pownall seeing languages as something they can do – and something worth doing.
Explore the next subject in the Pownall curriculum or arrange a visit to see Modern Foreign Languages lessons in action.
