Modern Languages
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The experience of studying a Modern Foreign Language and its culture makes a unique contribution in the personal development of our pupils. It gives them the opportunity to value and appreciate other cultures and attitudes to life, while at the same time offering them the opportunity to learn more about their own language and culture. Pupils choose from French, Spanish and German and all take at least one Modern Language through to examination at GCSE. The number of dual linguists is increasing, and an increasing number of students continue to study a Modern Language at A’level, recognising it as an invaluable skill for use later in life.
The department is very fortunate to have many native speakers on its staff who give a truly authentic appeal to the learning in addition to an up-to-date use of ICT, audio-visual equipment and current authentic language materials. We run foreign language trips on a regular basis. In May this year, Year 8 visited Hesdin in the Pas de Calais region of France on a very successful historical/cultural visit. We have recently established a link school in Lille, with our first exchange due to take place this academic year. An Easter visit to Paris is organised for 6th Form students of French.
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In October 2007 a group of Year 10 and 11 pupils toured Andalucía, visiting some of the most beautiful cities and sights, while being hosted by Spanish families in Cordoba. The previous Spanish trip took students to Old Castile, a region north of Madrid. A trip to the Rhineland is offered next Easter for students of German, and we are developing an exchange link with Heidelberg.
Students may also be entered for examinations at GCSE and at Advanced level in their home language.