Languages

Staff

Alison Harvey Head of MFL/ Assistant Headteacher

Ms R Herrmann- Head of German

Mrs R Minhas- Teacher of French and German

Mrs A  Ling- Teacher of French

Mr S Bhutto- Teacher of French

Mr J Diaz- French Assistant

 

Aims

Learning a new language teaches pupils how people live in other cultures and countries and gives insights into our own multi-cultural society. As new technology brings people closer together across the globe, studying languages becomes ever more important in preparing pupils for living and working in the 21st century.

Through our syllabuses and schemes of work we provide material and a learning environment, which prepares all pupils for a future world and adult life in a multi-racial, interdependent world.
We aim to:

  • Develop the ability to understand and use the chosen foreign language effectively for the purposes of practical communication.
  • Develop the ability to use the chosen language both imaginatively and creatively and to understand the language used both imaginatively and creatively.
  • Develop an understanding of the grammar of the chosen language.
  • Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries and communities that speak the chosen language.
  • Encourage positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages and a positive approach to other cultures and civilisations.
  • Develop students’ understanding of themselves and their own culture.
  • Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.
  • Form a sound base of skills, language and attitude required for further study, work and leisure.
  • Promote skills, which have a wider application such as information technology, and learning skills (e.g. analysis, memorising, drawing inference).

Additional Documents

Please click here to view the Department Development Plan for 2021-23

Please click here to view the Covid Recovery Plan.

Please click here to view the Curriculum Map Overview

Key Stage 3

Years 7 and 8- All students learn French, with 7 lessons per fortnight

Year 9-  From 2022, all students will begin the Foundation level work of GCSE French

Year 10- From 2023, the vast majority of year 10 students will continue with their French course through to GCSEs at the end of Year 11

Key Stage 4

The vast majority of students go forward to study French at GCSE in order to be eligible for the EBACC qualification. We currently follow the Edexcel course

Key Stage 5

The study of French or German to AS or A-level is a popular choice for those students wishing to learn the language for its own sake or to complement other A-level subjects. Students work in small groups and follow the Edexcel syllabus with support from our French Assistante to develop speaking skills.

Extra-Curricular

The Modern Languages Department supports and enriches learning through a variety of clubs, trips and events. For example, students in year 7 can participate in the Spelling Bee as well as visit the Christmas market in Cologne. For older students there is the French club as well as talks by outside speakers such as GCHQ. The department runs a range of trips to France and Germany.