Modern Foreign Languages
In today’s world, knowing only one language puts you at an immediate disadvantage in life. A person who speaks several languages will increase chances in the job market in his/her own country and internationally. Learning another language means acquiring additional wealth and opening up other horizons, personal and professional.
The Modern Languages Department offers French and Spanish. All students are expected to study at least one modern foreign language to GCSE level.
The study of a modern foreign language at GCSE level aims to:
- develop knowledge and understanding of countries and communities where the language is spoken
- develop positive attitudes towards the learning of the language
- develop the ability to communicate effectively in the target language through both the spoken and written word, using a range of vocabulary and structures
- develop a good knowledge and understanding of the grammar and vocabulary, and their application in a variety of relevant contexts
- provide a strong foundation to enable pupils to further study at AS and A2 levels and/or use the target language in practical and professional settings
The GCSE course combines an emphasis on communication skills with reward for practical knowledge and understanding of language structures and grammar. In addition to developing language skills within numerous topic areas, students are also encouraged to adapt and apply language to different contexts and situations.
Our MFL students exchange programme are well established with La Hautefeuille School in Courbevoie in France and Altair Centro Educativo in Seville. Pupils are required to exchange letters with their penfriends from these schools once a month. The exchange programme also includes a week of total immersion abroad in a European language school. Students who have participated in these exchange trips have always benefited greatly, with noticeable improvement in both confidence and fluency.
A Level:
- The curriculum at A Level is designed to prepare students for advanced study and the job market in their own country and internationally. Understanding other languages will allow students to develop a more comprehensive view of the world by being able to communicate effectively in a broad range of contexts with French-speaking and/or Spanish-speaking people in all continents.
Board Examiner: AQA
Evrard Loembé
Head of MFL
