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Modern Languages

Year 9 (Block 3)

In today's world, knowledge of modern languages is an indispensable part of education.

French

All students, except those with no prior experience of the language, study French and the great majority carry on to GCSE. We follow the Expo 3 Green textbook: family and relationships, hobbies, new technology, a Battlefield project as preparation for the trip to France and Belgium in February, holidays (using different tenses), home and local area and a project of students' own choice.

The four skills of speaking, writing, listening and reading are covered and more than one skill is used in each lesson. Every week, pupils are given a learning prep (vocabulary or grammar) followed by a test, and a short written prep.

German and Spanish

Beginners' courses in German and Spanish are offered, and can be combined with the continued study of French.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

The Bedales core curriculum requires each student to study for a GCSE in at least one modern language. Most students enter the school with a knowledge of French, and courses in Spanish and German start in Block 3. Lessons in various other languages, such as Italian, Russian, Chinese and Japanese, can be arranged on a private basis. A second modern language can be taken among the GCSE options.

Examining Board:   French AQA 3651; German AQA 3661; Spanish AQA 3691

Sixth Form

If you are looking for a future using communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, team-work, organisational skills and independence, as well as excellent job prospects, then a modern language is for you.

In French, Spanish and German we examine contemporary cultural, social and political contexts of the country through a variety of stimuli such as literary texts, newspaper and magazine articles, and films. We also enrich this academic experience with visits to relevant theatre productions, film club, French cafés and a Paris trip.

Students taking French, German or Spanish at AS level are expected to have an 'A' in the chosen language of study at GCSE (or equivalent). The school can arrange for students to study other languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Russian and Italian via private tuition. 

Examining Board: AQA (French, German); OCR (Spanish)

Head of Department: Alistair McConville (Acting)

Download a guide to the Sixth Form

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