Modern Foreign Languages
Methodology
The foreign language is used extensively in the classroom. The department endeavours to teach the four skills of writing, listening, speaking and reading to the highest level each pupil is capable of reaching. The department uses the direct or communicative method; that is, pupils are required to speak the language as well as understand the spoken word and produce the written work. We use cassette players, video and the listening centre to help train the pupils to speak and listen, and most lessons will have time given to pair and group work, often with the foreign language assistants. Reading and writing skills and the understanding of grammar are also fostered as these are vital to the course. An equal importance is given to the four skills at GCSE level.
Key Stage 3 - Year 7
In Year 7, all pupils study either French or German. There are six Year 7 classes. We use Metro for French and Logo 1 for German supplemented by our own materials. (Teaching time: 7 x 1 hour per 10 days.).
Key Stage 3 - Year 8 and 9
In Year 8, the six classes are set by ability, Metro is used in French and Logo is used for German (Teaching time: 6 hours per 10 days).
Key Stage 4
All pupils select French or German or both. There is also a possibility to study Spanish with a GCSE accreditation at the end of Year 11. This course is suitable for our most able linguists. The German groups use Logo 4 and a variety of other course books. The Spanish pupils use the Listos programme. Pupils study for the GCSE using the AQA syllabus (Teaching time for French, German and Spanish is 5 hours each per fortnight).
Key Stage 5
French, German and Spanish are offered at Advanced Level. The syllabus followed for both German and Spanish is OCR, while for French AQA is used. (Time for each language is 8 x 1 hour per fortnight.)
Visits and Exchanges
There is a strong tradition of visits within the Languages department. Residential visits to either France or Germany are offered to all pupils.
Languages Team
| Mrs S. Godwin | Head of Department, i/c German |
| Mrs J. Woodburn Park | Teacher of French and German, i/c French |
| Mrs Y. Tornero Perez | Teacher of German and Spanish, i/c Spanish |
| Ms K. Lindars | Teacher of French and German |
| Mrs C. Northam | Teacher of German |
| Mrs V. Spencer | Teacher of French and German |
| Mrs P. Vowles | Teacher of French and German |
There is a full-time Foreign Language assistant also attached to the school.
