The MFL department maintains the fundamental premise that optimal learning will take place in a positive environment. It takes the approach that language learning should be curiosity driven, active, enjoyable, and emphasize student self-expression taking into account the different learning styles. It is believe by members of the department that motivation, enthusiasm and commitment to students are integral to their role as teachers and as such strive to constantly stimulate students and grab their interest by demonstrating their own enthusiasm for their subject.

Objectives:
The overarching objectives of the Modern Foreign Languages department at Islamia are to impart knowledge of the languages it offers and to facilitate learning. However, its teaching philosophy extends well beyond this as it strives to inspire students to learn more about language and its importance. John Stuart Mill said that "Language is the light of the mind." And the scholar Benjamin Whorf has noted that “language shapes thoughts and emotions, determining one’s perception of reality”

Teaching approaches
The department adheres to a combination of communicative and proficiency-oriented instruction within the direct method. Classroom teaching focuses on the four basic language learning skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing which are all taught within the context of culture. While, the teaching techniques for each skill may vary, they have many things in common such as activating and using the students’ background knowledge, putting activities in a context and using advanced organisers and visual stimuli.
New technology, including the internet and interactive teaching equipment play a key role in the teaching of all the skills.

Preparation for the future
The department places the greatest emphasis on students emerging as effective communicators and one of its ultimate goals, in co-ordination with the other departments of the school, is that its students should become keen observers of global cultures, insightful about themselves and their learning, informed and knowledgeable across the disciplines, and active participants in the community.

What Languages Do We Teach?
Arabic is taught as a compulsory subject to the end of year 11 while French is only compulsory in years 7, 8 and 9 then becomes an ‘option’ in years 10 and 11.

Click here to find out more about French.

Click here to find about more about Arabic