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"Habs gave me the best possible start in life." |
Prof P R Parham FRS, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA. |
The Modern Languages Department
In Year 7, all boys start or continue the study of French. They can also study either Latin or a second modern foreign language. Those opting to study a second modern foreign language study either German or Spanish, depending on which House they are in. All three languages offer a serious course of study which combines a sound grasp of the spoken and written language with a comprehensive insight into the cultural background of the language along with covering the four main National Curriculum areas of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
We believe that an oral approach to language teaching is essential if boys are to speak and write fluently the languages studied. Consequently oral work in its various forms is the basis of most lessons. At the same time it is felt the tenses of verbs, other grammatical structures and vocabulary must be taught and learned. Boys are encouraged to read as much as possible, at first readers and magazines, then newspapers and literary texts.
The GCSE examination is normally taken at the end of Year 11. In the Lower Sixth, students in all 3 languages will take the three units of the AS syllabus, and the majority will continue in the Upper Sixth, taking the remaining units to gain a full A Level.
Boys can take up Italian at the beginning of Year 11. This intensive course is aimed at the more able linguists and leads to a GCSE at the end of the year.
A flourishing Modern Languages Society, run largely by the boys themselves, offers numerous and well-supported events which complement classroom teaching. The Department also offers a diverse programme of trips and exchanges, which take advantage of our close links with schools in France, Germany, Spain and Italy. There are French exchanges to Chambéry (Year 8), Paris (Year 9) and Strasbourg (Lower Sixth); German exchanges to Offenburg (Years 7 and 8), Munich or Stuttgart (Years 9 and 10), as well as a work experience programme in the Sixth Form; Spanish trips to Barcelona (Year 8) and Granada (Year 10); and an Italian exchange to Bologna (Year 11).