Languages, culture and linguistics

Our language journey

At Windlesham House, we have taken a bold step forward in language learning by reimagining our modern foreign languages department as LCL – languages, culture & linguistics. All lessons in the prep school are taught by specialist teachers who LOVE languages. Our innovative programme prepares our pupils to become confident, curious global citizens—ready for the multilingual world of their tomorrow.

Windlesham House’s languages, culture and linguistics programme is about more than language, it is about confidence, curiosity and connection. We celebrate cultural diversity in school and invite every child to discover how exciting and empowering language learning can be.

Years 7–8: The Windlesham Diploma

The languages, culture & linguistics(LCL) diploma programme takes language learning to the next level. We have designed a unique curriculum that blends our language provision with exciting strands in linguistics and global culture.

Focus on core vocabulary and grammar
Emphasis is placed on high-frequency words and foundational grammar structures, enabling students to build strong, transferable language skills.
Explicit phonics instruction
Pupils are taught how sounds map to spelling patterns in the target language, improving pronunciation, listening, and reading accuracy.
Cognitive and communicative practice
Activities integrate speaking, listening, reading and writing in meaningful contexts, encouraging deep processing and long-term retention.
Real practice, real results
Lessons are structured around active learning and critical thinking. We blend grammar and vocabulary with real-world use in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Tasks are designed for communication, not memorisation and lessons are interactive, purposeful and fun.
Linguistics
A fascinating exploration of how language actually works. Pupils explore the rules behind language: how we speak, write and understand each other which encourages curiosity, pattern-spotting and analytical thinking. Ideal preparation for senior school scholarship papers and academic success.
Global culture
Research projects allow pupils to explore traditions, celebrations and stories from around the world and use their IT skills to present their findings to their peers.

Our tailored scholars’ programme supports high-achieving pupils with bespoke learning pathways preparing them for senior school exams.

Years 3–6: building strong foundations

Our pupils study both French and Spanish, switching halfway through the academic year. Lessons are vibrant and interactive, focusing on speaking, listening and cultural understanding. Our approach is designed to make language learning engaging, effective and enjoyable.

Learning words that matter
Pupils learn high frequency, useful vocabulary that allows them to understand and produce simple sentences early on, giving them the tools to express themselves clearly.
Active, fun and memorable
From songs and games to role plays and creative tasks, every lesson is designed to make learning a language exciting and interactive. Our goal is for our pupils to enjoy language learning and stay curious as they progress.
Sounding out success
Phonics are helping pupils to make clear connections between how words are written and how they are spoken. This ensures accurate pronunciation and builds speaking confidence.
Spiral learning – revisit and grow
The programme is built on a spiral curriculum key concepts are revisited each year in slightly more advanced ways, helping pupils retain and deepen their understanding over time.
Language meets culture
Language comes alive through exploration of the traditions, festivals, and daily life in French and Spanish speaking countries. Pupils begin to understand not just the language, but the people who speak it.

Pre-Prep languages carousel: early exposure and great fun

From reception to year 2, our youngest learners take part in a language carousel—exploring a new language each term with playful, engaging lessons. Our pre-prep pupils have recently discovered Mandarin, Italian, and Swedish, covering topics such as greetings, animals and simple opinions. Teachers and pupils alike love the creative freedom this brings.

Trips, IT and community

Trips – Real-World Experience in Normandy

Our unforgettable Year 6 Château du Baffy trip offers an incredible cultural and team building experience, including

exploring French cuisine, markets, farms, and towns
tackling high ropes adventures and making memories around the campfire
reflecting during visits to the D-Day landing beaches and museums

It is more than a trip; it is a chance to grow, have fun, try new experiences, spend time with friends and embrace French culture first hand.

IT – Learning languages through technology

We integrate digital tools to support and enrich our teaching

in-class tools: Languagenut, Linguascope, Wordwall, Rockalingua
independent learners: many pupils use Duolingo, exploring everything from Japanese to High Valyrian. We love hearing about students’ learning streaks, some are well over 850 days and counting

Community – Celebrating culture school-wide

We’re proud to have pupils from over 20 nationalities on roll, and in school, we celebrate this diversity through:

school assemblies for European Day of Languages, Asia Day and Chinese New Year
a range of cultural projects for our pupils throughout the prep school
cultural contributions from families – parents are warmly invited to get involved and share their traditions and languages

Additional language tuition

Tailored support for every learner

There are individual language lessons available for those needing extra help, additional challenge or targeted exam support. Whether preparing for a scholarship, strengthening fluency, catching up or for the love of languages, our one to one sessions are flexible, supportive and effective. Current languages available are French, Spanish, Mandarin and German.