MODERN LANGUAGES

Head of Department: Mrs V Potter

Which Languages are Studied?

All pupils at St George's are taught French from the first year (see below). Spanish has been introduced into the 3rd year (Year 9 ) as a second foreign language for all girls and provides the opportunity for those joining the school in this year to continue with Spanish, which they may have started in their previous school.  It also allows girls joining the school with no European foreign language to start ab initio with the rest of her year. By creating the potential for a three year course to GCSE it should mean that the course is accessible to more students. It is envisaged that it should stand alongside French if this language has been studied.

1st - 3rd year French Curriculum

French is the first foreign language to be taught to Georgians in the first year. A few pupils are either complete beginners or fluent speakers; most have been exposed to French in prep schools. The work is therefore tailored to encourage those with least knowledge of the language but also to challenge the most advanced. From the 2nd year girls are taught in divisions based on ability (2 or 3 divisions per year group). Individual attention is the prime concern of the teachers.

In the first three years the following topics are covered:

French GCSE (Edexcel Examinations Board)

Girls will continue to have four periods of French per week, and the year group is taught in three divisions on the basis of the pupil's ability.

The study of French is divided into four skills, each carrying equal weight: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Each skill is examined in French, in order to encourage its constant use. Candidates prepare for the speaking test by listening to tapes provided by the department, and by practising with staff in one-to-one sessions in the fifth year.

Visiting countries where French is spoken is strongly recommended. The department can help with providing useful addresses.

Modern Foreign Languages in the Sixth Form
             Edexcel for A2 in 2009(Edexcel Examinations Board)
         AQA for AS & A2 in 2010 (AQA Examinations Board)

Why choose to study a language at A-level?

• Imagine being able to express your opinions fluently in another language, to live, study or work abroad in the future, feeling completely at home in a foreign environment.
  
• Or are you perhaps intrigued by how different languages have developed? Do you enjoy learning how to manipulate the various grammatical structures? In other words, do you just love languages?
  
• Whatever may be your reason for studying a foreign language, it will combine well with any other subject at A-level or at degree level, depending on the sort of work you can envisage doing in the future. Most universities these days offer a wide range of combined degree courses with languages - courses which frequently include a year studying abroad. How about History with French? Business Studies or Law with Spanish? Computer Science with French?

As for GCSE, you will practise all aspects of the language:  speaking, listening, reading and writing.  In addition you will study some of the literature of the country and learn more about its life and culture.  You must be prepared to express your views on a wide range of current issues, in particular those affecting the country whose language you are studying.  This will involve reading newspaper articles, watching television programmes and researching topics on the internet.  It is vital, too, that you spend some time in the country, preferably living with a family. 

The A2 syllabus to be examined in 2009 remains Edexcel with 3 units: Oral Discussion of Issues; Topics and Texts; lastly a paper which combines listening, reading and writing.

FRENCH COURSE CONTENT - AQA 1651 (AS) & 2651 (A2)

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