Modern Languages
The aim of the Modern Foreign Languages department is to make pupils proficient in the use of languages, foster positive attitudes to other languages and cultures and create internationally minded people.
Pupils learn languages through a lively communicative approach, combined with rigorous grammar teaching and gain an insight into the culture and history of the language they are studying. All four Language skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing are developed through a range of activities and opportunities which aim to develop our students’ confidence, independence, and creativity.
External international Language examinations:
The DELF, DELE and Goethe diplomas are recognised around the world. They are valid for life and they allow our students to have an additional qualification in French, Spanish and German, which will be very useful to them later in their professional life. We encourage our students to consider taking the first certificate (A1) as early as in Years 8 and 9 and the second one (A2) in Years 10 and 11. In Years 12 and 13 our students are encouraged to take the B1 and B2 examinations. Our students receive additional after school preparation lessons at school and we are very proud of their excellent results so far.
Mother and second language support:
In addition to the IGCSE and IAL qualifications in the languages we teach at school, we support and encourage our students to participate in these examinations in their mother or second languages. As a result, every year we have students of all year groups who participate in IGCSE, IAL and A Level examinations in languages such as Arabic, Russian or Chinese, and we make sure they receive the necessary support and advice in order for them to be successful.
Language trips:
At the Senior School language learning is not just confined to the classroom. The MFL department organises trips to the countries of the languages studied by our students providing opportunities for them to use “real life” resources and develop their confidence and independence whilst gaining an insight into the culture of the country and community they visit. In recent years the MFL department has participated in the school activities week with trips to European destinations such as Germany, France and Spain.
Events and activities:
Through a wide range of events and activities such as the celebrations of the European Day of Languages, la Francophonie, dance, theatre, or even culinary competitions, our students are encouraged to appreciate and recognise the value of language awareness and cultural diversity. Every February, the MFL department organises the Mother Language Week with visitors, trips and many activities that enhance our students’ appreciation of the language diversity and multilingualism of our school. As part of our after-school activities program our various language clubs offer pupils the opportunity to learn further languages like Chinese, Arabic, Russian and Italian or enhance their skills in the languages they already study through a variety of activities in a fun environment.
KS3 (Years 7 to 9)
Before beginning the school, students are offered a choice of three foreign languages: French, Spanish, or German.
All KS3 students are required to study a modern foreign language in years 7, 8 and 9.
Throughout KS3 pupils have opportunities to communicate, understand and respond to language used in various contexts and situations. They listen to and read a variety of texts to increase their understanding and become confident in expressing themselves in the target language. Additionally, they focus on the use of patterns consequently becoming familiar with a range of grammatical structures. Finally, cultural awareness and understanding is incorporated in the MFL lessons aiming to broaden our students’ horizons by developing new ways of seeing the world.
