Languages
Home language level
English
The St Mary’s English department encourages critical thinking and engagement with a wide variety of texts. The English teachers have diverse personalities and teaching styles, complementing the varied learning styles of our pupils.
English is a multi-faceted subject involving verbal proficiency, literary analysis, the pleasures of crafting creative pieces and critical reading of a range of contemporary texts. Our pupils are given wide exposure to all these areas, and are encouraged to use the full range of modern information technology in their exploration of language arts.
Further Studies English (Advanced Programme English)
Further Studies English is taught in Forms III, IV and V. It is assessed internally in Forms III and IV and as part of the final IEB examinations at the end of Form V. It has been internationally benchmarked at A level standard and Further Studies English students are certified by the IEB separately from their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
Further Studies English has been offered to St Mary's students since 2011. It has proved to be a challenging and enriching subject for girls who enjoy studying literature at an advanced level, and engaging with texts critically and thoughtfully. Students gain analytical and critical thinking skills that stand them in good stead at tertiary level across all disciplines. The subject also concentrates on the fluent and convincing expression of ideas.
Students who elect to study Further Studies English must be able to read texts independently and enjoy reading across a wide range of genres. The assessment is examination- based but students are expected to submit an essay or other task each term so that they can develop their skills.
First additional language level:
The school’s African Languages departments are vibrant and dynamic. In the classroom, our girls read stories that are rich in culture, assisting them to appreciate and embrace culturally diverse backgrounds, and respect others’ cultures.
We are motivated to develop pupils who are not only intent on achieving good results, but also contributing to the wider community. Our languages have great currency, and provide opportunities for students who are proficient in them.
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is one of our 11 official languages and is understood by the majority of South Africans. Students planning a career in human resources, medicine and public service would certainly benefit from being able to communicate in this language, not to mention enjoying lifelong access to a wonderful body of literature.
isiZulu
The isiZulu department encourages both the learning of isiZulu as a language and the learning of its culture. The curriculum aims to provide four learning outcomes: speaking and listening, reading and viewing, writing and presenting, and language.
Sesotho
The Sesotho department inspires both the learning of Sesotho as a language and the learning of its culture. The Sesotho curriculum aims to provide five learning outcomes: speaking, listening, reading and viewing, writing and presenting, and language.
The department embraces learners from Lesotho and their orthography. It welcomes learners from all Sesotho groups, namely Sesotho, Tswana and Sepedi, and learners from diverse or different groups, or any learners who have a basic understanding or knowledge of the language.
Second additional language level:
French
French is no longer simply a European language, but also an African language; more than half of the continent is French-speaking. French opens up job opportunities and new horizons, and introduces South Africans to other cultures as well as literature, art and philosophy.
It is becoming useful, even vital, in many professions, from law to commerce, diplomacy and even medicine; there are few areas where French would not be advantageous. Universities also look favourably upon applications that include a foreign language.
Latin
Democracy, law, architecture, engineering, literature and drama all have their origin in the sophisticated world of the Romans, among other ancient civilisations. Our approach to Latin is to show its relevance to the Western world in the 21st century. Through Latin, students understand the etymological origin of 70% of English words; through Latin’s rich literary repository, students gain insight not only into the ancient classical world, but also into our Western way of life and more.
Latin’s educational worth is indisputable. It is an exacting subject that trains the mind to respond logically, accurately, analytically and critically. These invaluable cognitive skills enhance insight and understanding, and transfer positively to many other disciplines and subjects.
As not many girls choose to study Latin, St Mary’s is able to offer individual tuition and attention to our students.