French
Introduction
The Modern Languages Department firmly believes that learning a language is a core life skill. High quality teaching and learning is enhanced with an international dimension that continuously contextualises students’ learning. All our students have the opportunity to experience other cultures and in this context fulfil their academic, social and personal potential. Pupils learn languages in a creative and stimulating environment in which they feel confident to take risks and succeed.
Co-Curricular Enrichment
The Department runs an engaging programme of events including trips and exchanges abroad, day visits, theatre visits and performances, film festivals, visiting speakers and an annual Modern Languages Week.
Form 3 to Upper 4th (Years 7 to 9)
Pupils choose two modern languages from French, Spanish and German in Form 3. In Lower 4th, pupils can choose 2 languages out of the 3 we offer: French, German and Spanish.
We concentrate on grammar, vocabulary and linguistic competence. Topics covered include: Personal information and family; school; hobbies; technology, and the international world. We also include the cultural element and cultural affairs wherever possible to enable students to get to know the people and countries connected to each language.
GCSE
The five themes are:
- Identity and culture
- Local area, holiday and travel
- School
- Future aspirations, study and work
- International and global dimension.
All themes and topics are studied in the context of both the students’ home country and that of countries and communities where the language is spoken. Skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, including translation will be tested.
A level
Students are assessed through 3 papers:
- Listening, Reading and Translation into English
- Written Translation into the language and response to a literary text/film
- Speaking -discussion of a theme and presentation & discussion on independent research project.