Modern Languages
Department ethos:–The Modern Languages Department teach French and Spanish using a range of methodologies including ICT, pair work and group work, games etc. We encourage students to work independently and gain confidence to communicate in a foreign language as well as to gain an incite and understanding of other cultures. We also aim to instil a love of languages and the recognition of their importance in the modern world. Students regularly exchange emails and letters with their counter parts in France.
Supporting the school’s specialism:- The Languages Department supports Performing Arts in a variety of ways. We give the opportunity to pupils to see theatrical performances in foreign languages. This year the languages department is organising a Yr 6 challenge day for students from our feeder schools. The workshops will include pancake making, singing a French song, a language lesson and an art session. Last July Performing Arts organised a Spanish Day in which the language Department organised a drama workshop in collaboration with Big State Theatre Co
All language lessons involve speaking and listening and role play activities are a regular feature of lessons.
Links to outside agencies:- We have links with our feeder schools which we intend to develop further next year as languages are becoming a statuary requirement in primary schools. We also have strong links with New College with whom we usually share a language assistant.
Every year the department organises a YR 8 trip to St Omer in France as well as a Yr 10 study trip to Normandy. This year we have taken part in a Spanish exchange with a school in Seville, organised by Greendown School. We hope that this will establish a link for future exchanges. Every two years we organise a French exchange with a school in Perigueux; this year the French students came to us in March and our students returned in June.
Department successes:- Over the past two years the French results have improved enormously. Two years ago Spanish was introduced as the second language and next year we will have two GSCE Spanish classes for the first time.
At present we have a number of talented linguists who work with interest and enthusiasm. The high level of participation in language trips exemplifies this.
Our strengths are the quality of delivery, our ability to engender enthusiasm and encourage participation in language related activities. On the Challenge Day a number of Yr 9 are very keen to help with the workshops.
We are also pleased with the success of the introduction of Spanish which is proving to be popular.
Useful web addresses:-
In July 2007 the Language Dept held a Yr 6 French Day with students from our feeder schools. During the day the students sang and recorded two songs, click on the links below to hear them.
