Modern Languages
Learning a foreign language can open up a world of experiences. Travelling, working and living overseas are commonplace nowadays and knowledge of a specific language, or the confidence of how to learn a foreign language, greatly enhance those experiences. Languages are a “live” subject. People speak these languages and live these cultures. It brings a relevance and pertinence to the learning and an ability to put into practice everything taught in our modern foreign languages department.
Two languages are currently taught at Finborough School; French and Spanish. The languages (in the Senior School) are taught in dedicated classrooms containing a new digital projector, CD/tape player, DVD/video player, television and internet access.
Modern Languages in the Prep School
French starts in P1. Spanish starts in P3. The students have one lesson of French a week and one lesson of Spanish a week. Techniques focus around the use of activities, that are fun but each time have a learning point. Games, songs, films, flashcards are all used amongst other innovative techniques to encourage learning and familiarity with the target language.
Both French and Spanish are taught at this level by Senora Romero.
Modern Languages in the Senior School
In the Senior School, students in S1, S2 & S3 take French and Spanish and have two lessons a week in each language.
Students in S4 & S5 take either French or Spanish and they have four lessons a week.
Students in the Sixth Form have eight lessons a week.
FRENCH
S1 to S5
Students follow the “Métro” course textbook and the Edexcel syllabus for S4 and S5 GCSE course. Topics are varied and stimulating, covering all aspects of French grammar, language and culture. At GCSE level, students study topics in greater depth, as well as approaching new topics such as the environment and youth issues.
Sixth Form
Since the beginning of this new academic year (2008-2009) students have been following the new Edexcel syllabus which comprises four main units over two years. The emphasis at this level is on developing the four skills of listening, reading, writing and reading and aims to enable students to understand and communicate effectively. Topics are varied, interesting and stimulating. Pupils are encouraged to express their opinions both orally and in writing using more and more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary as the course progresses.
Challenges are regularly set which involve either the video recording or the tape recording of themselves either in a group or in pairs. This enables the students to show their creativity, imagination and sense of humour in French whilst actively using the language.
French in the Senior School is taught by Madame Davis who is a native speaker.
SPANISH
Spanish is a new language at Finborough, introduced in September 2008.
S1 to S3
Students follow the “Listos” course textbook supplemented by a range of activities designed to encourage uptake and enjoyment. Although students in all three year groups will be new to Spanish, they will be advancing their learning at different paces appropriate to that year group.
S4 and S5
Pupils are using the “Caminos” course text book and are following the Edexcel syllabus. Topics cover all aspects of Spanish grammar, language and culture. At GCSE level, students study topics in greater depth, as well as approaching new and topical subjects such as the environment and youth issues.
The first pupils to take GCSE Spanish at Finborough School will be in June 2010.
Spanish in the senior School is taught by Senora Romero who is a native speaker.
TRIPS
This year there a four day trip to Paris in March. It is open to all students from S1 to the Sixth Form.
We are hoping to be able to offer a trip to Spain before too long.
