Modern Foreign Languages

S R Ravenhall, BA M.Phil (Head of Department)
Frau J Heinen, MA (Head of German)
I T Chamberlain, MA, MA (Head of Spanish)
G Emerson, BA
Mrs S Heavers, BA 
Miss G A Jolly, BA 
Mrs J R Menzies, BA
  
Why Languages?
With the ever increasing expansion of the European union and the advent of the world economy, international communication is at a premium.  By studying a language in the Sixth Form you better qualify yourself for dealings with French, Spanish or German speaking regions of the world.  Moreover you acquire greater insight into the workings of language itself – an important basis for the development of your ability to learn new languages in the future.

The Courses
In all languages the following topic areas are covered:

At AS level in the Lower Sixth
1 Youth culture and concerns
2 Lifestyle: health and fitness
3 The world around us: travel, tourism, environmental issues and the French/German-speaking world
4 Education and employment

At A2 level in the Upper Sixth
1  Customs, traditions, beliefs and religions
2 National and international events: past, present and future
3 Literature and the Arts
In French and German we expect students to participate in the annual language exchanges with our partner schools in Europe.

The Examination
 

In all three languages the Department uses the newest unit-modular syllabus of Edexcel.  The Department can also offer the same examination in certain other European languages to suitably qualified students.

There are four modules:

Unit 1  Spoken expression and response
Unit 2  Understanding and written response
Unit 3  Understanding and spoken response
Unit 4  Research, understanding and written response

Units 1-2 = AS level
Units 3-4 = A2 level

Entry Qualifications
A pupil who wishes to study a language in the Sixth Form should normally obtain at least an A grade at GCSE, though a B grade may be sufficient to begin Spanish AS level.
 
Departmental Facilities and Strengths
We have the upper floor of one of the newest of school buildings at our disposal – a suite of five classrooms with full audio-visual equipment, internet connections and extensive library facilities for students.  Up to date, authentic material in the languages concerned is used;  individual student exchanges are promoted.  The Department is staffed by seven enthusiastic and committed linguists.  The A level teaching teams have extensive experience as external examiners at this level.

Above all, we pride ourselves on being able to adapt to the needs of the individual student.  Not for us Pétain’s motto “Ils ne passeront pas!”    
 

 

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