Russian

However great the literature of Tolstoy and Pushkin in English, it is the richer for not being read in translation; this is only one advantage to be derived from studying the language of resurgent Putin’s Russia. The Head of Modern Languages, Judy Thurman, is a Russian speaker and runs classes and activities for boys wishing to learn a little or a lot of this important language that straddles Europe and Asia.

Native Russian speakers can receive some support outside lessons to take GCSE and can choose to take the subject for ‘A’ level too.

Russian may also be taken at Sherborne as a two year course at ‘A’ level in cooperation with Sherborne Girls. It leads to a full A level course and does not require any previous knowledge. It does mean, however, that the course is demanding and only suitable for proven linguists, either modern or classical, and for those who can bring enthusiasm, commitment and perseverance to the subject.

Boys are encouraged to participate in our reciprocal exchange with a school in Perm in the Urals, a visit which also includes sightseeing in Moscow and St Petersburg and usually takes place at the end of the Lent term.