First Foreign Language Provision: French:

At beginners' level (as in Warminster Preparatory School) the basic aim of the French course is to follow the general linguistic aims, but all the while emphasising useful survival skills in French that are not based initially on grammatical structures. Stress is laid on the acquisition of oral and aural skills to deal with notional and functional situations likely to arise in a visit to a foreign country, or helping a foreign visitor here in this country eg asking/telling him/her the way. Grammar remains important but it will be implicit in meaningful situational French and not presented in arid, rote-learning form.

Onto this base, between years 7 and 11, more emphasis is laid on the linguistic foundation necessary to advanced study. Accuracy of written structures and deeper understanding of linguistic skills in preparation for public examinations come to the fore. Students follow the OCR GCSE syllabus leading to public examination at the end of year 11.

Throughout this period, the least able pupils and those with special educational needs have fewer lessons than the mainstream and follow a European Studies course, which XXXXX

A specialist AS and A2 level course (OCR Syllabus) then ensues.

Second Language Provision: German and Spanish

At the end of Year 7, students can choose to study either German or Spanish as a second language. At the end of Year 9, there is a further choice for students as to which one (or two) of their languages they continue to GCSE level.

AS/A2 courses are available thereafter

International Baccalaureat

Students also continue the study of modern foreign languages as part of the IB curriculum. Since the inception of the IB programme in Warminster School in 2006, the Department has offered French Language B and Spanish (ab initio) at both Standard and Higher levels. It also offers German Language A1. This year we are pleased to offer French (ab initio) as well.