The Team

Mrs L Isaacs	Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Mrs M Mortimer	Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Miss N Leon Lohou	Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Mrs L Power	Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages

Introduction to the Department

As a department, we believe that learning another language is invaluable and that it can help individuals to broaden their horizons, understand more about the world they live in and appreciate the differences in our cultures. We aim to build on transferable language skills that students may have acquired at Key Stage 2 and develop them through Key Stages 3 and 4 so that they are confident expressing themselves in spoken and written work and are able to infer meaning from texts they have read, spoken or they have heard.

Key Stage 3 Information

In Year 7, all students will study French and Spanish.  Our students will learn to use and adapt key grammatical skills that will enable them to converse in the target language using different time frames and be able to express personal opinions with confidence. They will develop a wide range of vocabulary on topics such as health, education, free time and leisure activities. They will appreciate the cultural differences that exist in the world and have opportunities to experience first-hand what life is like in France and Spain, should they wish to participate in one of our educational trips.

Key Stage 4 Information

Students continuing with French and/or Spanish at GCSE level will continue to develop their understanding of the key grammatical terms and structures, and will broaden their vocabulary from Key Stage 3 with regular vocabulary tests. Students will become more independent in their use of the language with role plays and photo descriptions forming a large part of the oral examination and when writing, students will be required to translate both ways, into French/Spanish and English.

Trips to France

There are opportunities for students to practice their French skills in authentic situations at all key stages. In Year 9, there is a four-night residential at an activity centre in Normandy, where students converse with animateurs (activity leaders) in the target language. In Year 10, our GCSE students have the opportunity to visit Paris for a four-night residential.  

In Year 12 and 13 there is the chance to do some work experience (independently/travelling alone or in small groups) or alternatively visit the French capital, Paris for three to four nights. Students use this time to find out more about an area of French culture that they are interested in and can use this to prepare for the end of year oral exam.

Trips to Spain

There are opportunities for students to practice their Spanish in authentic situations at all Key Stages. In Year 9, there is a three-night residential trip to Málaga, where students will take in sights such as Malaga Cathedral, The Museum Picasso, and the World-famous Alhambra Palace in Granada. Students will receive 10 hours tailored made tuition, will keep journal logs of their stay and will complete challenges where they will practice their spoken Spanish. In Year 12/Year 13, our A level students have the opportunity to stay with a Spanish family for five days as part of our exchange programme. We have an established link with a school in Granada where our students will be part of a programme of activities including sightseeing, The Famous Alhambra Palace, The Caves in Nerja, Granada Cathedral, among others, while experiencing living with a real Spanish family. Amazing experience!.