The Modern Languages Department is a flourishing one. We offer French, German and Spanish to GCSE. The majority of our students take two languages to GCSE and a number take three languages. An ever-increasing number choose to take two or three languages for AS level, thus keeping open their choice of University course and their future career. We have a healthy number of students joining us at Sixth Form level.
The Department is a very active one. There is an annual study trip to Spain for Years 9 - 12, a bi-annual exchange to Germany, a trip to a German Christmas market, an exchange with France for Years 8, 9,10 and an activity based trip for Year 7, also to France. This has been a very popular trip, and this year there are 60 pupils participating, and a waiting list for spare places. Last year, we introduced a new trip for the French Department. In February the second group will set off to Montpellier, in the South of France, for a study trip. This trip embraces Years 9 - 13.
Not only do a significant number study two languages but some study three. They gain places at prestigious universities. Each year a large number of students go on to study languages (often Joints Honours) at top universities. The number of students leaving Solihull School to study languages is impressive in the current climate. Many of our students also choose to combine a language with another subject. We are delighted that our students keep in touch with us; they come and update us on their studies and on their travels. They are frequently enthusiastic, poised and talented young people, with excellent communication skills and an enviable confidence and charm. We tap their talents and their enthusiasm unashamedly.
We are delighted that we have just been endowed with a travel scholarship for Modern languages. This generous bursary emphasises the importance of competence in a language other than one's own. The bursary has been in operation since Summer 2002 and will enable two students to travel to Europe to improve their knowledge of the language and culture that they have chosen to study.
We have an active Modern Language Society, which aims to promote interest in other cultures. Students have the opportunity to organise and host events. Films, social events and talks on a number of topics feature on the programme. The main purpose is to interest students in the world around them and to encourage them to take initiatives.
Our new library reflects the enthusiasm of the teachers in the Department for their languages. Students are able to loan a wide variety of readers, texts, dual-texts, translations, videos, and DVDs. There is a good reference section, and students can also do listening work in the library. We subscribe to a number of magazines.
There is a great deal of commitment in the Department to the languages we teach. We are happy that Mandarin is also represented. We look forward to students coming to learn and to share our enthusiasm with us.