Modern Languages

Mrs. B. Halton                                     Miss C. Gilmour  (i/c Spanish)
Mrs. T. Mallen                                     Mrs. H.M. Manning
Mr. P. McParlan                                  Mrs. E. Roberti (i/c French)

All students in Year 7 start by learning either French or Spanish in mixed ability groups and following assessment in October are placed in appropriate sets.  Students who make good progress in the language they are studying in Year 7 will be given the opportunity to study the other language in Year 8.

In Years 7 to 9 emphasis is placed on the acquisition of sound oral and listening skills but students are also expected to achieve an understanding of basic grammar which will enable them to write the foreign language accurately.  Both French and Spanish can be studied to G.C.S.E., and 'A' Level.  The Department achieves consistently good results in all public examinations and students consider the subjects to be both worthwhile and rewarding.

Every effort is made to acquire and use the most up-to-date books and teaching aids available.  The teaching of languages takes place almost exclusively in four rooms situated on two floors of 'C' Block.  The Department has at its disposal a digital language laboratory, interactive whiteboards, tape recorders, satellite TV, video recorder, and OHPs,  all of which are used on a regular basis to encourage the acquisition of foreign languages in an authentic and stimulating manner.  Two foreign language assistants contribute to the teaching of both languages across all key stages.  Students in all year groups will also have the opportunity to participate in study visits abroad.