4th Form CurriculumThe Modern Languages Department is committed to affording pupils every opportunity to prepare themselves for living and working in the Europe of the twenty-first century. To this end we strongly encourage them to study and learn, for as long as possible, two European languages other than English; thus whatever their chosen career, they will be able to compete for the best jobs alongside students from other major European countries. In the Fourth Form, therefore, all pupils continue to study French and begin the study of either German or Spanish. In order to heighten their awareness of matters European, all Fourth Formers have the option of spending three days in a major European city at the end of the Spring Term. French is a core curriculum subject for pupils through to GCSE; German and Spanish become option subjects in the Remove and Fifth Form.
The first year in French initially helps pupils to activate and consolidate what they already know. We then build on this firm foundation, the ablest pupils being taught at a rapid rate to allow pupils in the top two sets to take GCSE one year early (i.e. at the end of the Remove year). All French students are invited each summer term to go to Rouen in Normandy on a ten day exchange which has been running since 1968. This exchange programme not only allows pupils to make rapid progress in the languages but also helps them to appreciate a way of life and culture which is different from their own.
In view of Germany‘s crucial economic role in the future of Europe the importance of this language can hardly be overestimated. The German course in the Fourth Form is both the first year of a three-year course to GCSE and (for those who choose not to continue with the language) a one-year introduction to everyday German, which is complete in itself. All Fourth Form pupils studying German are offered the opportunity to visit the city of Cologne for a four day visit during the Spring Term, and this enables them to practice their spoken German and to experience first hand German life and culture.
Spanish is the world’s third most widely spoken language and is of crucial economic importance because of the vast potential of the continent of South America. The Spanish course in the Fourth Form is both the first year of a 3 year course to GCSE and a 1 year course for those who choose not to continue with the language beyond the Fourth Form. Pupils learn to cope with everyday situations and acquire much information about Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. All Fourth Form pupils studying Spanish are offered the opportunity to visit Barcelona for a four day visit during the Spring Term.
