Languages

DEPARTMENT STAFF

  • Mrs. M. D'Mello (German Language Assistant)
  • Mr. A. Handley (French and German)
  • Mrs. D. Hannon (German)
  • Miss H. Heys (French)
  • Mrs. M. Howat (French and Spanish)
  • Miss C. Manzano (Spanish Part time)
  • Mrs. J. O’Donnell (French and German)
  • Miss. K. Phipps (French)
  • Mrs. D. Tompkin (French Language Assistant)
  • Miss. J. White (German and French)

 

General Aims and Objectives

Our aim is to create confident language learners with language learning skills and insights into language learning. We aim to develop an interest in, and an enthusiasm for, language learning. Together with this, we want our students to be tolerant citizens of a global environment who understand and appreciate differences and similarities in cultures.

To this end, pupils do not just build vocabulary, but grasp concepts. They develop an understanding of how language works so that they can use it in new contexts to express their own ideas. Pupils are encouraged to be curious, make connections, spot patterns, ask questions and be creative. Knowledge of grammar supports their learning and maximises the range and quality of the language which they can understand and produce.

Progression is carefully planned, moving from passive to active use of the language and from highly structured to more open ended or creative tasks. The approach is communicative; language is used naturally for the purpose of understanding others and expressing oneself.

We aim to create a challenging yet supportive learning environment so that each student can achieve her best. By using a variety of stimulating activities, we hope that the students will enjoy their lessons. Through the sharing of lesson objectives and the discussion of outcomes, the students are encouraged to become active learners, share responsibility for their progress and gain a real sense of achievement.

 

Availability of Subjects

All pupils learn French for at least 3 years, starting in Year 7. All start German in Year 8 and continue with the language for 2 years. At the end of Year 9, the girls decide which of the two languages to take to GCSE. They all continue with at least one language, and about 30 girls each year opt to take both French and German. There is also the opportunity to take up Spanish in Year 10 and complete the GCSE course in two years. (click here for specification)

In the 6th form, students may take French, German and Spanish for AS and A level. There is also the option to take French, German or ab initio Italian as part of the IB course.

 

Equipment required

We recommend that all KS3 and KS4 pupils have a pocket bilingual dictionary for each of the languages they are learning. KS5 students need a large bilingual dictionary. These are very useful for homework, and it is not necessary for the girls to bring them into school. Textbooks are provided by the school.

 

Educational Visits

We value the importance of visiting the countries where the language is spoken in order to increase cultural understanding and oral competency. We organise several visits with this in mind.

 

Outline of Curriculum

We follow the National Curriculum in KS3.

For GCSE and A level in all three languages, we work towards the AQA examinations.

Click here for KS5 specification

 

 

Educational Visits

Year 8 – Day Trip to France
The morning is spent in Nausicaa, the national Sea Centre in Boulogne. The living exhibits and the excellent displays about environmental issues give the girls a unique insight into the riches of the seas and the threats facing them. The girls very much enjoy the experience, and they increase their understanding of aspects of Geography and Biology as well as French.
The afternoon is spent in the small town of St. Omer, where the girls use their French to go shopping, visit a café and complete questionnaires.

Year 9 – Ski Trip to Austria
The ski trip is organised by the PE department with help from MFL. As well as learning to ski, the girls have the opportunity to speak German and experience life in an Austrian village. A visit to a local school, Mass in the village Church, shopping and a trip to Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia, all afford opportunities for the girls to use their German.

Year 10 – Homestay Visits to France and Germany and the Day Trip to Spain
In France, the girls stay for six nights with families in the provincial town of Angers. Each day the group undertakes excursions to places of interest, including Futuroscope, the Cointreau factory, the National Equestrian School in Saumur, and Angers Castle with its beautiful tapestry.

In Germany, the girls stay for six nights with families in the beautiful town of Augsburg and visit places of interest in the surrounding area. These include Neuschwanstein Castle, the city of Munich, Lake Chiemsee and the palace of Herrenchiemsee, and also the Bayern Munich football stadium. Activities include bowling, swimming and ice-skating.

Staying with a family is an excellent way to become immersed in the culture and language of the country, and the students really benefit from this experience in terms of their linguistic and social development.

Spanish students visit the cultural town of Bilbao, experiencing the modern transport network and visiting the landmarks of this Spanish port such as the Guggenheim Museum, the covered market and Calatrava’s famous bridge.

Years 12 and 13
Students are encouraged to take part in a one-week work experience visit to the country which is greatly beneficial in enhancing language skills. Other enrichment activities such as trips abroad and visits to see foreign films are offered and encouraged as appropriate.

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