At Western House Academy, we work together to help promote a love for language learning, encouraging the children to share their own languages. Our children come from a broad range of backgrounds which encompass 39 languages. We recognise that language learning is important, not only as it helps us to better understand how our own language works and improve our communication skills, but it also boosts brain power and opens up future opportunities.

Our children are encouraged to celebrate difference and diversity and to develop into caring, respectful global citizens who actively participate in all areas of the local community, whilst developing an understanding of their contribution to the wider world. In a globalized world that is becoming increasingly connected, we place a high importance on learning additional languages from the age of 5 years, giving the children a head start in language acquisition and learning about other cultures within our world. 

The teaching of languages to early learners is widely recognised as a significant contributory factor in improving literacy, and broadening cultural horizons. Language learning from a young age helps children to develop confidence and at WHA we believe that it allows children to explore and discover other ways of living, of thinking and of communicating. It can provide a boost to those children who have difficulties in other areas of the curriculum. Some children have previous experience of learning a modern foreign language and can apply the skills and strategies they have learnt.