At Dover Court, we promote a positive attitude towards language learning, providing our students with an engaging and culturally enriching experience. We believe that studying languages offers our students the opportunity to develop a global citizen mindset and an appreciation for different cultures.
Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Fuad Hasanagic, the Subject Lead of French and Spanish at Dover Court, and Giulia, a Year 11 student who excelled in the IGCSE Languages early entry examinations. Their unique perspectives offer valuable insights into the methodologies and mindsets that can help anyone in learning foreign languages.
Embracing Diversity in Language Learning and the Role of AI
For Mr Hasanagic, the journey into his teaching career was driven by his passion for exploring new cultures through language learning. He emphasises the importance of an open mind, embracing differences, and enjoying the learning process for successfully acquiring foreign languages. He also highlights the significance of human connection in teaching and the potential impact of AI in education.
Q. Mr Hasanagic, what inspired you to pursue a career in teaching foreign languages?
Growing up in a small town, I was always curious about the world beyond. I quickly realised that learning languages would open doors to new cultures and perspectives. This passion for exploration naturally led me to share that same excitement with others through teaching.
Q. What are the key factors in a successful path to learning foreign languages?
Keep an open mind, embrace differences, and enjoy the learning process. Be willing to make mistakes and view them as part of growth. Staying curious and playful allows you to engage more deeply with the language and culture.
Q. Can you describe your teaching philosophy and how you keep students motivated and engaged in learning a new language?
It all begins with human connection—building trust is the foundation of effective learning. When students feel seen and supported, they’re more willing to take risks and embrace challenges. Once that trust is established, I focus on nurturing a passion for the language by making lessons relevant, engaging, and connected to real-world contexts. I believe that when students feel inspired and confident, they unlock their full potential in language learning.
Q. What future trends do you foresee in the teaching of foreign languages? Could you provide examples of innovative teaching methods you've implemented in your language classes?
We have entered an exciting era where AI is transforming both learning and teaching. I use AI extensively, particularly to enhance students' listening and speaking skills, and it offers incredible opportunities for differentiation and personalised learning. However, while AI will reshape education, I believe human connection will remain central to our role as teachers. Balancing AI with a holistic understanding of our students—not just data-driven insights—will be key to effective teaching in the future.
Q. What is the importance of learning foreign languages, and what impact do you think it has on a student's personal and professional development?
From personal experience, learning foreign languages opens up a world of opportunities, both personally and professionally. Even though much can be translated, certain nuances and cultural insights remain tied to the original language. Language is more than a tool—it's a reflection of how we think, our values, and our cultural experiences, making it essential for deeper understanding and connection in a globalised world.
Q. And finally, the questions we’ve all been wanting to ask you, how many languages do you speak and what is your favourite word?
I speak five languages, and choosing a favourite word feels like asking a parent to pick their favourite child! For those who love language, any word can be special in the right context. I'm especially drawn to words that capture unique concepts, like "sobremesa" in Spanish, which has no direct English equivalent, or, for example, "magari" in Italian, a versatile word that changes its meaning depending on how it’s used.
Excellence in IGCSE and Beyond: Giulia's Success
Giulia achieved Grade 9 in both French and Italian in the IGCSE Languages early entry examinations, completed in June 2024 at the end of Year 10. She shared her unique blend of discipline and passion in her efforts to learn languages. Her future goals include learning more languages, as she believes that mastering multiple languages will positively impact both her academic and personal life.
Q. Giulia, congratulations. How did you prepare for your IGCSE Languages early entry exams? Can you share any study tips or strategies that helped you achieve high grades?
I prepared by taking weekly lessons inside and outside of school and practising my grammar and writing skills through many past papers. I already spoke both languages, and my parents usually spoke to me in French or Italian, yet my grammar wasn't my strongest point, so I prioritised that skill (and still practised other skills needed, such as listening, reading and speaking). My tips would be to practise lots over a long period of time rather than cramming, using past papers, and trying your best not to stress yourself out too much during the exam.
Q. What are your future goals in language studies?
Some of my future goals are to learn more languages, such as Spanish and Portuguese, and I am in the process of learning Mandarin. I also want to make sure I keep my original languages (Italian and French) intact and don't lose those!
Q. How do you think these achievements in language studies will influence your academic and personal life moving forward?
I believe that learning languages can help a lot with someone's academic life, as the more languages you learn, the easier it gets over time to learn new ones. It can also help with commitment, which can be reflected in academic achievements, as learning a new language is a long process which requires consistent effort! In my personal life, I strive to be the best I can be in my pronunciation, grammar, and fluency of my native languages. I grew up speaking them, along with my whole family, who spoke either French or Italian.
