French
The pattern of the examination emphasises the value of practical communication and the execution of authentic linguistic tasks. The examination tests four basic skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing; giving equal weighting to each. Pupils will therefore not spend more than 25% of their time doing written work in the language.
There is a Modern Language Society, in which talks are given suitable for pupils in the Upper Fifth. There are also a number of films, which will be of interest to enthusiastic GCSE students. There is an opportunity for pupils to take part in a Study Visit to France during February Half Term. Visits, activities, French lessons and half board with a French family, are all part of the deal.
Coursework
No written work, as the oral counts as coursework. A presentation on a topic agreed with the student’s teacher, must be prepared by the end of February. The oral examination covers all topic areas and is taken before the end of the Easter Term.
German
The syllabus and examinations are parallel to those for French, and oral work will follow the same pattern. With our modern course, ‘Anstoβ’, pupils soon gain confidence in the practical use of the language and come to enjoy communicating in it. There is a chance for pupils to take part in the exchange visit with our partner school in the Main Taunus Kreis and other trips are organised. There are talks and films, suitable for Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth students, arranged by the Modern Languages Society.
Spanish
The syllabus places equal emphasis on listening, reading, speaking and writing and this is reflected in the composition of the lessons. The emphasis is a topic-based one, with grammar acquisition growing out of the topics. More written work is done at home than in class, where participation in listening and speaking tasks is encouraged. The course book ‘Aventura’, gives a sound grammatical foundation as well as good insight into language and culture in both Spain and South America.
There is a trip to Spain in the Easter term, in which visits, activities, Spanish lessons and half board with a Spanish family, are all part of the deal. There is also a Spanish club, which promotes interest in the Hispanic world through films and talks.