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Modern Foreign Languages

Given Britain's position in Europe and the increasing need to communicate with our continental neighbours as well as with international existing and potential partners, we highly value the study of modern languages. Our language classrooms benefit from excellent audio and visual resources including interactive white boards. The presence of French and Spanish-speaking assistants is another important feature of the department. They are usually undergraduates who live in the school for the whole academic year, providing an added view of their own countries, linguistic input on a less formal basis and allowing more creative activities to take place both in and outside the classroom.

GCSE

The main languages of the curriculum are French and Spanish. Students start studying French in Form I and opt to learn Spanish in Form III.

Every student at Heathfield St Mary’s is required to take French at GCSE. Students in the top set are stretched beyond competence and weaker linguists are encouraged to acquire the basic language required for success at GCSE.

Some linguists may also choose to study Spanish as an option in Form III and some may opt to continue both languages to GCSE.

All students take their GCSE examinations in the Fifth Form. Fluent or near-fluent speakers may be allowed to sit their GCSE at the end of Form IV. Although we are aiming to cater for all cases, it is not generally possible to enter the GCSE course as a complete beginner.

In addition to French and Spanish, other languages (German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Russian) may be studied to GCSE level on a private basis. We produce a tailor-made package for every girl, with each girl usually sitting a public examination at the end of the course.

Further details may be obtained from the Modern Foreign Language Department.

Assessment

There is no coursework. At the end of the two years, two tiers of examination (Foundation and Higher) are offered in each of the four attainment targets (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Each skill is worth 25% of the final mark.

We expect our pupils to be entered at Higher Level. In some cases, after regular and careful monitoring, we may however advise a pupil to enter the Foundation Level. A good GCSE grade can be achieved without sitting Higher Level in all skills.

Trips

Girls are encouraged to visit European countries. Visits are organised to our link school in Germany, to Normandy, and to Barcelona.

AS and A-level

French and Spanish are offered at AS and /or A2. Our students have also the opportunity to prepare an AS in French or Spanish in two years. Other languages such as German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Russian may be taught on a private basis and take an examination at the end of two years.