With languages growing in popularity, this expanding and successful Department enjoys an enviable blend of enthusiasm and experience. Jeff Cox and Mike Porteous were the backbone of the Department for the last fifteen years, specialising in French and Spanish and it is pleasing to see Mike back from retirement on a part time basis to teach A2 Spanish; we value his experience.   Sara Barns-Graham and Nico Lauber, a native German speaker, reinforce the Department by bringing expertise in German and their experience of teaching in Preparatory Schools and abroad.  Brano Sustek joined the Department three years ago, as we expanded our provision of Spanish, and has now joined the IB programme.   Last year we welcomed Nicola Rogers, who took over from Mike, joining us to teach Spanish and French.  With Fatima Akli absent on maternity leave, Joanne Campling joined the Department during the Summer Term last year to teach French and Spanish.  Having lived for many years in France, Joanne brings an authenticity to her teaching. Sally Pollard, a native French speaker, also joins us from the English Department to teach IB French (ab initio).  The Department benefits greatly from the presence of native speakers of German and French amongst the teaching staff. Altogether, we form a team of committed and skilled linguists with a proven ability to communicate those skills to young learners.