Modern Languages
French, German, Spanish and Russian and some Italian are all taught at the school. All boys start French in the First Form and have the opportunity to take up German and/or Spanish in the Third Form. Russian is a further language option for the more able linguists in the 4th Form. IGCSE (GCSE in Russian), AS and A level courses are offered in all four languages. One language is compulsory at IGCSE/GCSE but the majority of boys take two, many three and a small number four. Around thirty take French each year in the 6th form, with about a dozen opting for each of the other languages. Italian is offered as a lunchtime activity to 6th formers, leading in some cases to a GCSE. Numerous boys go on to read Modern Languages at university.
In our teaching we set out to develop the pupils’ ability to communicate effectively in the foreign language, while consolidating their reading and writing skills; we give them an insight into the culture and civilization of the country, and we seek always to encourage a positive attitude to language learning and to other cultures. The emphasis throughout is on the use of authentic language in practical situations, and class work consists of a variety of practical linguistic tasks, many linked to audio-visual material. Grammar is by no means neglected, however, and pupils are encouraged to exercise and analyse the structures both of the languages that they study and of English. In the AS and A level courses these linguistic skills are developed to a more sophisticated level and there is an increasing focus on the institutions and contemporary life of the country, as well as the study of some literature and other art forms. All classes are conducted as much as possible in the foreign language, and our French, German and Spanish assistants provide regular conversation practice for small groups of pupils.
The School organises an annual exchange with a school in Hamburg, and regular study trips and family exchanges to France and visits to Spain and Russia, and Sixth Formers are encouraged to attend summer study courses at universities and language schools in Europe. The digital Language Laboratory uses Sanako ICT software and all classes are timetabled to use it regularly for oral and aural work.
