The study of French and German liberates students from insularity and opens a window to other cultures. The languages curriculum nurtures curiosity and deepens students’ knowledge and understanding of a world where French is spoken on every continent while German is the European language of business.

Students learn to understand and respond to spoken and written language to enable them to communicate across and between cultures. Language learning stimulates confidence, fluency and spontaneity to reach out to our international neighbours in a spirit of solidarity and shared experience.

The acquisition and mastery of a modern foreign language unlocks a world of possibility beyond the classroom and develops students’ cultural agility.

Content

Years 7-9

At KS3, students learn core vocabulary and grammar to develop their proficiency in both productive (speaking and writing) and receptive (listening and reading) aspects of language learning. Students’ linguistic dexterity is promoted through their application of language in common situations to adapt to new situations and challenges.

Years 10 & 11

At KS4, students build on their core KS3 vocabulary and grammar with an increasing level of linguistic and cognitive demand. Students concentrate on listening, speaking, reading and writing in equal proportions.

Sixth Form

The sixth form curriculum provides a firm foundation for study at degree level as well as providing students with a professional advantage in the workplace.

Examples of cross-curricular links

With Geography, e.g. social and global issues such as healthy and unhealthy living, the environment, charities and volunteering and homelessness. With Drama, e.g. roleplay and characterisation for new and unfamiliar situations. With English, e.g. the importance of cognates and using words in different languages.

Extra-curricular opportunities

Erlangen German exchange, pen friends with exchange school.