Modern Languages
Learning a new language allows you to communicate more easily with other people, find out how language works and learn about different countries and cultures. Being able to speak another language is an asset when travelling or on holiday, as well as opening up a greater range of job opportunities.
At HSW everyone has the opportunity to learn French and German from Year 7. With two lessons of both languages each week, pupils study a wide range of topics including everyday activities, personal and social life, and the world around us. They develop a variety of essential language skills in reading, writing, listening, conversation and grammatical techniques through various approaches including language-learning games and digital resources.
In addition, pupils can expand their cultural awareness of French and German-speaking countries by working with authentic materials and comparing other cultures with their own. The weekly programme of enrichment clubs allows them to explore other cultures in more depth, and events such as ‘Tag der Deutschen Einheit’ and ‘la journée française’, foster greater cultural understanding and a love of language learning.
Pupils can also study French and German at GCSE in Year 10 and 11. We follow the Edexcel exam board and offer four lessons each week in which pupils prepare for a reading, writing, listening and speaking exam in the areas of:
- Identity & Culture
- Local area, Holiday & Travel
- School
- Future aspiration, Study & Work
- International & Global dimension.
Pupils use individual textbooks and grammar books to support their learning, as well as a range of engaging digital resources. They have plenty of opportunity to practise conversation in the small-group setting, as well as honing their skills of translation into and out of the target language. Cultural activities such as themed lunches and enrichment clubs allow pupils to discover regional specialities and deepen their understanding of the target culture.