Modern Foreign Languages

A good working knowledge of at least one Modern Foreign Language is a huge asset in a wide range of careers, particularly at this time when, as a nation, we have fewer and fewer graduates with this skill.  It is well known that people in other countries view English speakers more sympathetically when we show a willingness to communicate in their language.

French, German and Spanish are available from Year 7 to A level and every student experiences at least two of the three languages during her years in Senior School; keen linguists have the opportunity of studying all three.  A Modern Foreign Language is a core GCSE subject.

Italian and Mandarin are currently the focus of a self access, distance learning pilot scheme in the Sixth Form.  If it is successful it may be extended to include Cantonese, Russian, Arabic, Japanese – indeed any number from a host of languages for which the software is available.

The approach to learning in each of our core languages is very hands on with an emphasis on real communication whether it be through Listening, Speaking or Writing; students benefit from daily contact with teachers from France, Germany, Spain and South America.  The countries and their languages become alive for the girls.

Learning is supported by state of the art technology.  Students of all ages enjoy the educational benefits of our digital language laboratory.  The Department is also equipped with electronic whiteboards, a sound system in each teaching room and satellite TV which enables Sixth Formers to watch live, as well as recorded, programmes from many countries.

Our many trips and exchanges are eagerly awaited by all age groups and the opportunity exists for each girl to visit mainland Europe at least once during her school career.  The advantages of Exchange visits, in particular, cannot be overemphasised.  Girls return home with much improved language skills and a keen awareness and tolerance of the differences between nations, not only in terms of their language but also their way of life .

From time to time we organise Special Events for different age groups, such as European Days to which we invite a wide range of speakers from the worlds of Industry, Leisure, the Arts and Further Education.  Younger students have enjoyed the visit of the drama group, Théâtre sans Frontières.  In December last year prospective Sixth Form linguists attended an in house French conference to which visiting speakers from the University were invited. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.

The Department believes that one of the best ways of learning a language is by using it in “real” situations. We are therefore expanding our bilingual teaching programme.  Year 8 girls already learn Mathematics in French, German or Spanish for a number of lessons.  We hope to extend the scheme to Music in Year 7 and ICT in Year 9.