The
aim of the Modern Languages Department
is to promote enthusiasm for communication
and understanding of other countries
and cultures. Up to GCSE, pupils develop
language skills which will be of practical
use when going abroad and which will
form a basis for further study.
French
French is taught from Year 7 and is
continued either until the end of Year
9 or right through to GCSE and A level.
German
This year German has been introduced
in Year 7 alongside French to give all
pupils the experience of a new language.
It may be continued right through to
GCSE and A level.
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Spanish
Spanish is introduced for some pupils in Year
9 and can be continued to GCSE and A level.
Core
Language
At least one language must be taken at GCSE
level. This may be French, German or Spanish.
Additionally a second language may be taken
at GCSE as an option for those with an aptitude
and interest in modern languages.
Visits
A German trip is planned each spring for Years
9 and above and a Sixth Form group went to
Paris at Christmas.
Individual
arrangements are encouraged in the Sixth Form
and have been a great success, such as a Spanish
exchange which led to a lasting friendship,
a German course at the Goethe Institut in
Bonn and a French course in Montpelier.
Mini-Lab
The Department has a small language laboratory
for the use of groups and for individual study.
Sixth
Form
Pupils can continue all three languages in
the Sixth Form for one year, obtaining an
AS qualification, or for two years to obtain
the full A level (A2). Both courses will broaden
the range of language and enable pupils to
study topics pertaining to current issues,
the arts, business and politics. The coursework
and oral elements of the exam offer girls
scope to follow their own interests.
Other
Languages
Arrangements can be made for girls, who speak
a language at home other than English, to
take an extra examination in their language.
Italian, Greek, Russian and Chinese are some
of the languages in which girls have achieved
GCSE and AS-levels.
Film
Club
The film club gives girls the opportunity
to see foreign language films, such as Le
dernier Métro and La Haine. Sixth Formers
are the main devotees, but some films such
as the French version of Chicken-Run appeal
to all ages.
