Language assistants elevate French and Italian programs

POSTED May 29 2024 , Academic, News, Senior School

This year, St Mary’s is delighted to have the expertise of two native-speaker language assistants in French and Italian, enhancing our language programs significantly.

Sandrine Forsyth and Giulia Ruggieri dedicate their time each week to providing essential, authentic language support for our students. Their contributions are multifaceted, including the creation of French and Italian resources tailored to each year level, and offering personalised assistance through direct interactions with students in the classroom.

Sandrine Forsyth has been working closely with our French students

Beyond language instruction, Sandrine and Giulia enrich our curriculum with valuable cultural insights into French and Italian customs and contemporary issues. This cultural immersion is critical for our students to gain a holistic understanding of the languages they are learning.

A highlight of their work is with our Years 10 to 12 students. Sandrine and Giulia have regular conversations with the girls in French or Italian, which helps our students prepare for the practical component of their WACE examinations. These interactions help them develop the necessary skills for fluent and confident communication.

Our Italian students have benefitted greatly from working with Giulia Ruggieri

The impact of their efforts is evident in the marked improvements in students’ pronunciation, fluency and overall confidence in using a foreign language. These advancements stand as tangible evidence of the program’s success.

Since joining our Languages Department, Sandrine and Giulia have quickly become indispensable resources, greatly benefiting both staff and students with their expertise and enthusiasm.

Their presence at St Mary’s underscores our commitment to providing high-quality language education and cultural understanding.