Modern Foreign Languages
Which Languages Are On Offer?
By
Sep 19, 2007 - 1:41:37 AM

A few years ago the importance of learning a modern foreign language was recognized when the Working Group for Modern Foreign Languages reported: “For the UK as a trading nation, competence in foreign languages will be of crucial importance in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world. The enlargement of the European Union is but one pointer to those changing circumstances. Our students will need to be prepared for a world where greater skills in modern foreign languages will be very much in demand. We need to be able to communicate with our trading partners in their own languages." This is of even greater importance today, given the increasing globalization.

It has also been established that language learning enhances a wide range of analytical, interpretive, and critical skills, which pupils require for a wide range of career choices in later life.

Accordingly, at Warminster School, we embrace fully the concept that, wherever possible, all pupils should have the opportunity to experience a modern foreign language.

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 e.g. 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 increasingly laid on the linguistic foundation necessary for advanced study. Accuracy of written structures and a 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 linguistically able pupils and those with special educational needs have fewer lessons than the mainstream and follow a European Studies course.

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

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 Baccalaureate

Many 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 and Spanish Language B at both Standard and Higher Levels and French, Spanish and Italian (ab initio). It also offers German Language A1.