Modern foreign languages

Head of department

Mrs C-L Harrison

Teaching staff

Mr T Higson
Mrs L Lyons
Mrs F Stevens
Mr Matthew Jones
Mrs D Stoker

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Modern foreign languages

Aims of the department:

  • to enthuse students to become proficient in French, German and Spanish
  • to grow in students an appreciation of other languages and cultures

We believe in a communicative approach, exposing students to maximum target language, supported by careful study and practice of grammar and vocabulary.  We aim to develop the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing through a wide range of activities including:

  • class speaking work, pair work, group work
  • vocabulary learning, via sentence builders and parallel texts
  • spoken and written grammar drills
  • listening to and watching recorded material and songs
  • other language-learning activities
  • dictation
  • using interactive online resources
  • writing compositions
Our enthusiastic modern foreign languages teachers have lived all over the world, including France, Spain, Germany, Canada, South America, Southeast Asia and Africa. Their love of languages and exploring other cultures is sure to inspire you. Hear what Mrs Harrison has to say in this video, below, where she asks Year 7 students about their challenges and triumphs during their first year of studying French at RGS and discovers how they've grown in confidence in conversation

Summary of subject content:

Years 7 - 9 [KS3]

All students learn French, with four lessons a week in Year 7 and three in Year 8 and 9.  

In Year 8, 50% of students learn German and 50% learn Spanish (Two lessons a week). They then have 4 lessons a week of German or Spanish in Year 9.

Assessment takes the form of regular end of unit tests in listening, reading, speaking and writing, along with end of year examinations.

Years 10 - 11 [KS4/GCSE]

All students choose a language to study at GCSE level as part of their core curriculum, with the option of taking a second language as well.

GCSE Specifications:  

Year 11 French AQA 8657, German AQA 8668, Spanish AQA 8698

There is a brand-new GCSE for modern languages, nationally, first teaching in 2024, first examination in 2026.

Year 10 French Edexcel, German Edexcel, Spanish Edexcel

A large majority of students enter at higher tier.  All four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) are assessed in end-of-course examinations.

The study of languages is declining at a time when linguists have never been more in demand. 'Dare to be part of the precious commodity of linguists,' says Mrs Harrison. 'It's a qualification that makes you stand out from the crowd and shows a university or employer you have the skills to succeed in our 21st century world' 

Years 12 - 13 [Sixth Form/A Level]

French, German and Spanish are offered at A Level. They study many fascinating topics around social, political and artistic culture. Skills of communication, analysis, evaluation and debate are fully developed.

Students sit their A Level examinations at the end of Year 13. They study a film in Year 12 and a novel or play in Year 13. Students also undertake an Independent Research Project (IRP) on a topic of their choice, linked to a country where their target language is spoken. This is examined in the final speaking exam.

Exam Specification: French Eduqas, German Eduqas, Spanish AQA 7692

Career Opportunities

"Language is information, and information is power".   Constantin, Killing Eve

The outlook is very positive indeed for students who learn modern foreign languages. Britain is facing a deficit of linguists and many employers are seeking recruits with language skills.  Languages open doors to travel, study and work in endless places in the world or at home.  Employment rates for those with language degrees are amongst the very highest, with employers particularly welcoming graduates with good communication skills and those who can offer one or more modern foreign language.