Modern Foreign Languages

The Department of Modern Foreign Languages at Doha College is committed to the pursuit of linguistic excellence. Its aim is also to heighten students' awareness of the importance of communication and mutual understanding in a culturally diverse world.

The Department is staffed by a group of highly qualified and extremely dedicated individuals who work collaboratively to ensure that the language learning experience of every student is stimulating, challenging, worthwhile and enjoyable. The levels of commitment and professionalism of the team are key motivational factors in securing ongoing academic excellence.

Within the curriculum, the department offers French, Spanish and German from Key Stage 3 to A Level. The department is well-resourced with modern and vibrant textbooks as well as creatively produced in-house materials. ICT plays a vital role in the implementation and methodologies of all the courses delivered by the department.

A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

The Department of Modern Foreign Languages at Doha College is thoroughly committed to excellence in all areas of language learning and acquisition.  The department has long held the belief that communication is the key to the advancement of a comprehensive understanding of peoples, cultures and societies that share common moral values such as respect, tolerance and justice.  Communication breaks down barriers and eliminates fear of differences, promoting diplomacy and advocating peace.  It helps enrich the appreciation of human diversity in our multicultural and multilingual world.

Research has shown that increased exposure to an array of languages not only allows one to become much better acquainted with the structure of one’s own language, but that it also increases brain activity that enhances the development of a number of academic skills.  Recent university research in neurology has also proved that people who speak two or more languages are far less likely to suffer from certain brain diseases later in life.  Scientists at University College London state that learning several languages alters grey matter – the area of the brain that processes information - in the same way that exercise builds muscles.

As an institute of pedagogical excellence within an international setting, the aim of Doha College is to nurture and educate our students so that they may become well-balanced and open-minded global citizens who will have every opportunity to excel in a plural and polyglot society.  As Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.  If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

Derek Monaghan
Head of Modern Foreign Languages