Modern Languages

Students start to learn French in Year 6 and will continue with French as their first modern language right through to Year 9.

In Year 7 they take up German as well, spending a greater amount of time on it in Year 8 until in Year 9 French and German have equal status.

In Year 9 we ask students to opt for French or German, although some students will continue with both languages.  They may then continue with this language through to GCSE at their Upper School.

Students are taught in their Teaching Groups in Years 6 and 7 and generally in ability groups in Years 8 and 9.

In French and German, a variety of activities will enable the students to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.  We are also working towards students using as much of the language themselves as they can for day-to-day transactions, in an environment where French and German are heard much more than English when appropriate for the activity.  Activities take place both in the classroom and the computer room.

We aim to make language learning accessible to all students and are proud of our success.

Students are also offered the opportunity to learn some Spanish and Russian in Year 9 as part of the Key Skills programme.