Languages

Languages is a committed, dynamic and successful department. Our achievements were rewarded with the Languages Specialism in 2008.

In Year 7, all students study French. The majority of students in Years 8 and 9 then have the opportunity to study a second language, either German or Latin. In Years 10 and 11, all students continue with at least one modern foreign language (French, German or express course Spanish) to GCSE Level and may continue to study two languages if they wish. We follow the Edexcel GCSE syllabus which has the emphasis on speaking and writing (30% respectively) with reading and listening 20% each.

French and German are both offered at AS and A Level. The Advanced Level AQA syllabus continues to develop the language skills acquired at GCSE and enriches students' knowledge of French and German culture, as well as extending their knowledge of social and political issues. In 2010 we have the largest cohort of linguists in Barnet at Advanced Level.

Language Assistants, who are native speakers, support the development of students' oral skills at both GCSE and Advanced Level by offering small group tutorials or individual support.

The emphasis in all language lessons is on developing the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in the target language. The Department is extremely well resourced including the recent installation of a language laboratory. Language teachers make extensive use of MySchool and resources on tenses and vocabulary support students in their independent learning.

Events

We have a full programme of events to complement students' language learning:

• 6th Form Lunchtime debates
• Barnet Languages Cup – Interschool French Competition
• British Council Competition in 2010 three of our students were runners-up
• Languages Week - foods from around the world in the canteen, Spanish Dancing, Japanese Manga Drawing, Roman Theatre, International film festival are just some of the highlights from this year's Languages Week
• French and German theatre groups visit the school to perform in the target language

Trips

We run several trips to Germany and France:

• French Exchange to Verdun, France
• German Exchange to Hargesheim, Germany
• 6th Form Trip to Paris
• 6th Form Trip to Berlin
• 6th Form Trip to Seville

If you are a pupil please log onto the MFL department page, on Fronter, for lots of resources and help to improve your French.