Modern Foreign Languages

Modern Foreign Languages offer courses in French and German, from Year 7 up to A-Level in the Sixth Form as well as French and Spanish to pupils as a one-year course in Year 11. Languages are taught in a friendly and interactive environment using role plays, drama, listening activities, authentic materials and the use of contacts in foreign countries. Students are encouraged to use laptops and to participate as much as possible in lessons and trips to increase their confidence.

The department offers a wide-range of extra-curricular activities, from mentoring sessions for pupils in Key Stage 3 to revision classes for pupils in Key Stages 4 and 5. Pupils are encouraged to take up contact with pen friends in partner schools during lessons and to continue to maintain contact at home. The German exchange is offered to our partner school in Koblenz and the French department visit Chateau de la Baudonniere. There are also trips to Lille and Cologne to visit the Christmas markets and German and French schools annually visits Homewood, having tours from our pupils. Mandarin Chinese is taught by a dedicated teacher from China who visits us as part of a British Council initiative.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, pupils study either French or German as beginners until the end of Year 8. Topics covered include introductions, family, school, media, where you live, weather and holidays. Pupils are generally expected to reach National Curriculum Levels 5 or 6 and will have a basic grasp of grammar principles, as well as exam techniques and communication skills. The department responds to different learning styles using choral repetition, flashcards, mime and artistic activities.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, pupils study Edexcel GCSE languages and are permitted to begin a different language or take on a second. Languages offered are German, French and Mandarin Chinese. The course has a topic-based approached, incorporating the required GCSE topic areas and pupils are prepared for the four language skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking, through contact with our Foreign Language Assistants. The written and spoken components are examined using controlled coursework in class, whilst the final exams cover the listening and reading.

Key Stage 5

In Key Stage 5, pupils can continue to AS-Level and A2 study in French or German or opt to start a new language in a 1-year GCSE course in French or and Spanish following the Edexcel specifications. For AS and A2, pupils are exposed to more authentic language material and begin to develop their own language acquisition skills. Pupils are expected to be able to research and present material for themselves.

Masterclasses for AS German November 2011

The Languages Department are pleased to announce there will be extra classes on Wednesdays in F10 from 3.30pm-4.30pm which will focus on what is required to gain the highest grades in GCSE German. Students will be covering higher-level grammar and vocabulary that will revise and enhance your son/daughter's knowledge of German and therefore improve their written and spoken work for AS-Level. Please see below for more information.