Ash Manor Blog

Modern Foreign Languages Blog

Meet the MFL Team

Mrs Garcia

Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Tutor of 8H2

Languages have always been at the heart of who I am. I speak French, Italian and Spanish, and each one has opened up new opportunities and connections throughout my life. I’ve spent time living in France and studied and worked in Italy while completing my degree and after – experiences that not only improved my language skills but also deepened my love for different cultures.

Before becoming a teacher, I had the chance to use my languages in several industries, including banking, transport and pharmaceuticals. Whatever the setting, I discovered that languages are far more than just a skill – they are a bridge between people, ideas and experiences.

I’ve always loved travelling and meeting people from around the world. Speaking other languages has allowed me to connect with people who don’t speak English but share French or Spanish as a second language. These conversations, often spontaneous and full of curiosity, have shown me how learning a language can truly broaden your horizons.

Teaching languages to young people is something I’m deeply passionate about. Even after many years in the classroom, I still find it inspiring to see students grow in confidence as they learn to communicate in a new language. I love helping them realise that language learning isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary – it’s about culture, communication and connection.

I particularly enjoy watching students learn through games and creative activities, having fun while building valuable transferable life skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a student who once found languages difficult begin to enjoy them, or to hear that someone who never imagined choosing a language at GCSE now wants to continue with French or Spanish.

For me, teaching languages isn’t simply a job – it’s a way to share the excitement, curiosity and sense of connection that come from discovering the world through language.

Mr Greensmith

Teacher of Spanish and French, Assistant Head of Phoenix & EAL Co-ordinator

I speak three languages fluently: English, Spanish, and French. I can also hold a conversation in two more – Catalan and Mandarin! Having lived in Spain, France, Wales, and England, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to experience different cultures and languages first-hand.

I love using my language skills, whether I’m travelling, teaching, or even whilst I was working in previous roles like catering. In fact, I use languages every single day in the classroom.

I chose to teach languages because through them, I can teach so much more - from French literature to geography, from Dali’s artwork to discussions about environmental issues.

My favourite Spanish word? Murciélago – it’s a great word as it contains all five vowels!

Miss Harwood

Teacher of French & Spanish, Tutor of 11S2

I speak three languages: English, French, and Spanish - and I also know a bit of Italian and even some Dutch!

I’ve been lucky enough to live in France, spending six months in the northwest and another five in the southeast. Working there for a year was an amazing challenge that helped me grow so much as a person.

I love using my language skills whenever I travel, and I’m especially excited for a cruise next year where I’ll get to use three of them - French, Spanish, and Italian!

For me, learning a language is like unlocking a secret code. I love helping students to crack that code and watching their confidence grow — especially through fun classroom games like 1 Pen, 1 Dice!

My favourite French word is fraise (it means strawberry). My favourite Spanish song is Nuestra Canción, and my favourite French song is La Vie en Rose - I love Melody Gardot’s version.

Miss Iorfida

Teacher of French and Spanish and Tutor of 7P2

I am new to the department this year. I speak three languages: French, English, and Spanish and I also studied Italian up to A-level. I was born and raised in France and moved to England just a week after my 20th birthday.

Being able to speak French proved very useful when I worked in a supermarket in England during my university years, as many of our customers were French. More generally, speaking several languages has always been a great advantage when travelling, which I absolutely love.

I particularly enjoy teaching French, as it is not only my mother tongue but also a part of my culture that I’m proud to share. I love answering questions about France and discussing the differences between French and British culture. Overall, I’m passionate about teaching languages because it opens doors and creates future opportunities for children. If I hadn’t learned English when I was younger, I would never have moved to England — one of the biggest and proudest achievements of my life.

My favourite French idiom is ‘être dans la lune’, which literally translates to ‘to be in the moon’ but actually means “to be daydreaming.” I probably love this expression because I’m often dans la lune myself!

We are hoping to launch the Pen Pal Exchange next half term with some Year 9 students. The exchange will be with a school in the south of France, which is the secondary school I attended when I was younger! This is a project that is especially close to my heart for that reason as this is where it all began for me.

Mrs Haroon

Teacher of Spanish and French and Co-Tutor of 10H1

I started working at Ash Manor at the end of last year. I speak 5 languages English, Spanish, French, Urdu and Punjabi.

I have lived in UK, France and Spain. I have used my language skills in volunteering work in Pakistan, in local Community work in the UK and for translating articles in Spanish magazines.

In the future I hope to do more volunteering work in South American countries where Spanish is the official language and in African countries where French is the official language.

I love learning and teaching languages. I have found that my language skills have enabled me to have better opportunities in work, travel, business. It is such a proud moment to travel around the world and be able to immerse myself in other cultures and traditions due to my knowledge of these languages. I also become a good travel guide for the people I am travelling with!

My favourite word in Spanish is 'Sacapuntas'. I find that sounding out the syllables and phonics in Spanish is very satisfying.

Mr Perez

Science Lead Practitioner, Lead of Biology, ITTCo, STEM, Teacher of French & Tutor of 8G2

I am a Science teacher but I am also teaching Year 7 French this year. I speak 4 languages: Spanish, French, English and Italian. I have lived in Venezuela, Spain, France and I also spent some time living in Australia. And I love to speak French and Italian when I go on holiday.

I use English which is not my mother tongue, every day and I have to admit that it hurts my brain sometimes!!!

I love knowing the origins of the words (etymology) and seeing the common roots that they have and how some words have been changing their meaning through the years. My favourite not English words are: ‘Melocoton’ in Spanish, ‘Cocomero’ in Italian and ‘Coquillage’ in French.

Miss Keleher

I will be working alongside the MFL teachers at Ash Manor throughout this year. I speak, English, Spanish and French. I have lived in Ireland, Scotland, England, France and Peru.

I used to work for a pharmaceutical company and was their Liaison person with South American markets and French speaking markets. I also worked for a French company in Information Technology.

I love learning and speaking different languages because it enables you to communicate with people from all over the world, learn about other cultures and different ways of thinking. Sometimes it can be like having a secret language when there are only a few of you who can speak it!

One off my favourite expressions in Spanish is ‘Tiene mala lech’ – literally ‘he has bad milk’ but it means ‘he’s grumpy’! My favourite French expression is ‘Ce n’est pas la mer à boire’ – literally “it’s not like you have to drink the ocean” but it means ‘it’s not that difficult!’

Exciting Events in MFL

French Pen Pal Exchange

This project will be a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their French skills and gain a deeper insight into French culture and the language in general. All the details are still being finalised, but we are very excited about this initiative. It will give our students the chance to create meaningful connections with pupils from another country and to experience first-hand how rewarding language learning can be. We are looking forward to launching this later this term.

Spanish Film Night

All AMS students studying Spanish were invited to watch a Spanish film called Zipi & Zape and the Marble Gang on Thursday 6th November after school in the Ash Manor Theatre. It was an exciting opportunity for students to enjoy some social time together whilst immersing themselves in Spanish culture and tucking into some hot chocolate and popcorn. It was wonderful to see students clapping and cheering for their favourite characters.

Cultural Events

This month many people in Hispanic countries will be celebrating the Day of the Dead “El Dia de los Muertos”. You can find out more information about this event by clicking on the link below:

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/day-of-the-dead

The equivalent French cultural event is called “La Toussaint”. Again, if you are interested to find out more, please click on the link below:

https://frenchmoments.eu/all-saints-day-in-france-la-toussaint/

Top Language Learning Tips!

https://languagesforall.org.uk/my-top-ten-tips-for-language-learning/

Personal Development Day: Growing Together Beyond the Classroom

On our first Personal Development (PD) Day of the year, students across all year groups took part in exciting and meaningful activities designed to build confidence, strengthen life skills, and prepare them for the world beyond school. The day offered a wonderful mix of teamwork, learning, and self-reflection — perfectly showing what personal growth looks like in action.

Year 7 – Team Building and New Beginnings

For our newest members of the school community, Year 7 focused on team-building activities that encouraged collaboration, communication, and trust. These sessions helped students get to know one another better and develop the social skills that will support them throughout their secondary school journey.

Year 8 – Thrills, STEM, and Real-World Learning

Year 8 enjoyed an inspiring day that combined fun and learning. A trip to Thorpe Park gave students the chance to see how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) concepts come to life in the real world — from the physics behind rollercoasters to the design and safety engineering that make them work. It was a day of excitement, curiosity, and discovery!

Year 9 – Knife Crime and Gang Culture

Year 9 explored crucial topics around peer pressure, gang culture, and knife crime through workshops and discussions aimed at empowering students to make safe and informed choices. The sessions encouraged honest conversations and helped students reflect on how to stand up for themselves and support others in difficult situations. This was supported by an enlightening talk from public speaker Declan Bissick, who spoke of his own experiences in gangs and how he finally escaped and began a new life.

Year 10 – Understanding Relationships

For Year 10, the focus was on relationships — understanding healthy communication, respect, boundaries, and emotional wellbeing. Through interactive activities and open dialogue, students developed a deeper awareness of how to build positive and supportive connections in their personal and social lives.

Year 11 – The Big Interview Experience

Our oldest students took a major step toward their futures with the Big Interview event. Local businesses and professionals came into school to conduct mock interviews, giving Year 11s real-world experience in presenting themselves confidently and professionally. Dressed smartly for the occasion, students also took part in workshops on personal finance and career preparation, ensuring they left the day ready to take their next steps after school.

The day was a huge success — filled with learning, laughter, and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. We’re proud of how every student engaged with the day’s activities and demonstrated our school values in action. Personal Development Day reminds us all that education isn’t just about exams — it’s about growing into thoughtful, capable, and confident individuals ready to make a difference in the world.

Silver DofE Training Expedition –

Battling the Storm and the South Downs!

Over the weekend of 3^rd to 5^th October, six students took on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Training Expedition in the South Downs National Park near Brighton. After Storm Amy passed through, the ground was soggy, the wind was still howling, and putting up tents became a proper test of patience (and balance). But once they got camp set up, spirits were high, and the adventure really began.

The weekend was spent exploring some amazing parts of the South Downs — climbing up Devil’s Dyke for some incredible views, spotting the famous Clayton Windmills, and following sections of the Monarch’s Way. The hills definitely made the intrepid travellers earn every meal, but the teamwork and laughs kept them going.

By the end, everyone was tired, muddy, and more than ready for a proper shower, but they all agreed it was a great experience. They learned a lot about navigation, camping, and working together — and now are ready (and excited) for the qualifying expedition next spring!

Previous Blogs - 2025/26

English Blog - 23.9.25

Ash Manor School