Modern Languages French is taught to all boys from Year 7 to 11 up to GCSE. German is taught in Years 8 & 9 with the option of continuing in Years 10 & 11 up to GCSE. AS and A2 (A level) are offered in both languages in the Sixth Form. There is some emphasis on oral work, with much conversation practice in pairs or groups. Reading and listening start in the first term and there is, of course, written work and homework.

We have a link with the College St Pierre in Calais and reciprocal day visits start in Year 7 leading on to greater contact in Years 8 and 9. Further links with French and German schools are being established for older pupils. Work Experience in Europe for the Sixth Form is arranged on occasion.

Audio visual aids are used in the classrooms as well as computer, internet and satellite TV facilities, tape recorders for independent listening work, and reading material. We use the communicative approach and insist on grammar.

A number of boys go on to do AS and A2 (A level) each year. They use their own language laboratory and their studies combine intensive language work and acquiring knowledge of present-day French/German society and culture. The language skills developed will be of use in most careers and our students go on after A Level to study French or German with Law, Business Studies or Accounting and Economics, as well as to university courses specialising in languages.

Foreign Language Assistants work with pupils from Year 10 onwards to improve conversational skills and cultural awareness.

KEY STAGE 4 TASKS