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 8, also to France. We are planning a trip for Sixth Form students of French. There are some work experience places for students of French. We can usually provide contacts for placements in Spain and Germany also.
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 will come into operation for the first time in 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 the Mandarin is also represented. We look forward to students coming to learn and to share our enthusiasm with us.
A- Level
Since September 2000 the Modern Languages Department has followed the AS and A2 specifications offered by AQA in the three separate languages: French, German and Spanish. The following outline applies to all three languages.
At AS level the course will build naturally on skills already acquired at GCSE, namely: reading, writing, listening and speaking in the target language. Grammar will be incorporated into the skills and topics. The course is a topic based one, with grammar growing out of the topics. It is a course in which a high level of participation is required. You will be asked to express views and to do your own research.
Unit 1: Listening, Reading and Writing
In this unit of assessment the candidate will be required to listen to and read a number of items in the target language. The topics tested are clearly defined and build on GCSE topics. Candidates have personal control of the cassette and may listen to items as many times as they wish during the period of the examination. Responses are written in the target language. Pupils will be set listening homework. A Walkman is required.
Unit 2: Writing
The second unit involves written answers to pre-released material in the target language. Pupils will learn to respond in writing to a written stimulus. Two essays must be written for this Paper, from a choice of three topics. One is compulsory but there is a choice of the final two.
Unit 3: Speaking
An oral test based on responding to written material, a presentation of a topic of the candidate's own choice and general conversation. Throughout the course pupils will be asked to express ideas.
A2 develops further those skills tested at AS.
Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Writing.
A similar format to Unit 1, but longer and using more complex language.
Unit 5: Writing
Two questions to be answered in the target language on texts, literary topics or non-literary topics, as prescribed by the Board. Texts studied are always modern and lend themselves to discussion in the language on a wide variety of issues. Students' ability to manipulate the language, both oral and written, grows rapidly through this paper.
Unit 6: Speaking
A two-part oral, consisting of a reporting task and general conversation, based on elements of the A2 course. The topics covered are the same as those for Module 4 and Module 5.
The courses in French, German and Spanish offer an excellent opportunity for pupils not only to increase their linguistic knowledge, but also to study and discuss a wide range of contemporary issues. Unit 5 enables pupils to study in depth aspects of French, German or Spanish culture. Each language has the benefit of native speakers in its oral teaching. Educational visits and exchanges are encouraged. There is an active Modern Languages Society, which offers films, talks and other activities. There are opportunities for work experience and we organise a number of trips.
An advanced qualification in a modern language is a practical advantage in many careers. Universities offer a great number of courses not just in languages themselves, but often combining a language with more vocationally orientated courses, such as law, accountancy or business administration. There is a low rate of unemployment among language graduates. If you are considering application to Oxbridge we strongly recommend you take two languages.
In addition to the main AS and A2 level courses, the department offers a beginners' course in Mandarin. This may or may not lead to examination and certification.