Modern Languages
‘We are fortunate to speak a global language but in a smart and competitive world, exclusive reliance on English leaves [us] vulnerable and dependent on the linguisitic competence and the goodwill of others.’ [Nuffield Languages Enquiry UK 2000]
As Modern Linguists we think learning a foreign language is important and we hope to convey our enjoyment of languages to our pupils. We want our pupils to maximize their potential in the world of study and work but also be fulfilled as individuals whatever their academic level. The skills range is wide, from being able to communicate on holiday for example, to having a sound base from which to study languages at a top level university. We aim to give all pupils a positive experience of learning at least one modern foreign language so that they gain a sense of achievement and enjoyment and hopefully go on to learn other languages as adults. Our methods are based on a communicative approach underpinned by a clear grammatical structure. We also hope to give them an insight into the culture of the country whose language they are studying. Through learning a modern foreign language, pupils acquire study skills which support other subjects.
Some pupils tuck into a German breakfast
French, German and Spanish are offered to A level. Pupils have the chance to pick up a second language [German or Spanish] in year 9 and the able linguists are encouraged to take this through to GCSE along with French which everyone learns from year 7. AS Level is proving popular as a provider of continuity through to the Sixth Form. Beginner’s Russian is offered during activities.
We hope that pupils will be involved in the many extra-curricular languages related opportunities on offer- trips abroad, in-house film clubs, outings to the cinema, theatre, listening to visiting lecturers, attending Phillip Allen study days and eating and cooking the food from these countries.
Our new building, opened in 2002, houses seven dedicated, well-equipped teaching rooms and a staff workroom. We have many up-to-date resources at our disposal. There is a mobile languages laboratory, sixth form resources area, digital satellite television and interactive whiteboard as well as digital projectors and DVD players, televisions and CD/tape players in each classroom. The building is networked. Nearby we have major use of ICT1 with listening facilities and internet connection. The school library also has various foreign language magazines and newspapers and a good stock of useful documentation.
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| Teachers | ||||
 Mrs S.J. Rumble, BA, Bristol Head of Dept. |
 Mrs K.J. Wright, BA, Wales |
 Ms I.G. Scott, MA, Thames Valley |
 Mr A.J. Coull, BA, Thames Valley |
 Mrs G.J. Charlesworth, BA, Bristol |
 Mme C. Rebuffet, Matrise d'Anglais, Universit Stendhal, Grenoble |
 Mrs B.C. McElligott, BA, Swansea |
 Antoine Uribe, MA [Master] History of Art, Amiens French Assistant |
 Hilke Keusgen, Assistant and hockey coach |
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