Modern Languages

What could be more fun, challenging and rewarding than learning a Foreign Language? Given the international nature of our world, the importance of our European trade partners and the irreversible trend towards globalisation, the ability to communicate in a different language has never been more important. In fact it makes all the difference.

“Anyone with a foreign language under their belt, will have an immediate edge in the job market because they can deliver their company an edge in the world market. (Sir Digby Jones, Director General of the CBI 2005)

Developing strong language skills is therefore an essential part of the Tiffin Curriculum.

Key Stage Three
In Year 7 all Students learn French or German. Students build up their vocabulary and learn key structures which enable them to talk about themselves, their families, pets and hobbies. They also learn a range of adjectives and develop simple opinions. In Years 8 and 9 students build on this language by studying a range of topics including life at home, life at school, food and drink, daily routine. They also learn how to communicate in three different tenses. Throughout the course there is a strong emphasis on skills based learning, giving students ownership of the learning process and developing their ability to evaluate their own progress and performance.

Key Stage Four
In Years 10 and 11 all students study French or German to GCSE and some will choose Spanish as an additional GCSE option. Throughout the course students study five topic areas including house, home and daily routine, life at home and abroad, school and future plans, the media and entertainment and fitness and health. They develop the language they learnt at Key Stage 3 by learning how to apply the language with greater sophistication, creativity and accuracy. The course also continues to empower students to manage their own learning and be able to identify as an individual what they need to do to ensure good progress.

Key Stage Five
In the Sixth Form students are able to continue with one or both of the languages they studied at GCSE. The A-Level course enables students to develop a high level of competence in the target language. Through the study of topics based upon day to day matters, society and the working world, students learn to communicate with fluency, confidence and persuasion. They develop the skills required to understand and respond to authentic spoken and written language and all undertake detailed independent research in the target language. In addition students in Year 13 study foreign literature and the key historical/political events relating to the language they study.

Other information
The Department offers a wide range of Wider Opportunities which provide intensive language practice together with first hand experience of different customs and cultures.
French: Year 12/13 Exchange to Caen; Yr 12 day trip to Boulogne; Year 12/13 Work Experience visit to Brussels
German: Year 12 Study visit to Berlin; KS5 exchange with the Deutsch Schule in Richmond; Year 10 Exchange to Cologne
Spanish: Year 11/12/13 Exchange to C ƒ ¡ceres
All languages: Visit to respective Language Institutes in London
Mandarin Club: Yr 7-9 every Wednesday lunchtime
Coming soon: A new multimedia suite for the MFL Department.