Introduction

“Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Pupils learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.

Learning languages gives pupils opportunities to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity. They explore the similarities and differences between other languages and English and learn how language can be manipulated and applied in different ways. The development of communication skills, together with understanding of the structure of language, will lay the foundations for future study of other languages and support the development of literacy skills in a pupil’s own language.”

At Key Stage 3 pupils follow the National Curriculum for French or German and are taught the grammar of the target language and its application, how to express themselves using a range of vocabulary and structures, as well as developing a sense of cultural awareness.

Pupils are required to work independently as well as in pairs and groups, constantly practising their spoken and written language skills, evaluating their progress and reflecting on the effectiveness of their approach. In addition to the three CATs each year, pupils are assessed via regular unit tests.

The Modern Languages Department recognises the considerable benefits of spending time in the country whose language pupils are studying in school. However certain constraints mean that participation in such visits will be limited and priority will always be given to those who have proved to be reliable and responsible in school.

A sample programme of school journeys (based on the current school year) is set out below:

2nd Form School Journey to Reims: usually 5 days staying in pairs or groups of three with host families. During the day visits and excursions are organised and one whole day, as well as each evening, will be spent with the host family. In addition pupils will visit a champagne cellar, attend Mass in a local church and visit Euro Disney.

3rd Form School Journey to Germany: usually a four-day visit to Stuttgart which takes place in the half-term of the Michaelmas Term. The group stays in a hotel. A programme of cultural visits (including visits to castles, the Mercedes factory and a theme park) is organised during the stay.

4th/5th Form School Journey to Berlin: a four day visit to Berlin staying in a hotel. Full day visits are undertaken such as to the Deutsches Historisches Museum, the Olympic Stadium, the former HQ of the Secret Police, the Reichstag and the main places of historical interest along Unter den Linden.

Lower Sixth Form conference in Paris: for some years now a school journey to Paris has been organised to attend the European Study Tours conference on "Your Future in Europe". This is open to all those studying French in the Lower Sixth Form. As the conference itself is conducted in English the linguistic benefits of this journey are relatively slight. The content of the conference however is directly relevant to those with an interest in languages and the opportunities available in Europe as well as raising awareness of issues confronting the European Union. A half day conference called “Focus on French” is also included (conducted entirely in French) and there is time to follow up other interests.

For senior pupils it is considered that the greatest linguistic benefit of a visit abroad will be derived not from a group visit but on an individual basis. A number of members of the department have widespread contacts abroad and are often able to arrange visits or exchanges on this basis. Mr Stobbs also has details of language courses and work experience abroad although both of these options are usually very expensive.

We are extremely fortunate to have so many opportunities to enjoy foreign culture on our doorstep in London. France,

Germany

, Spain and Italy all have cultural institutes in London: