ModernForeign Languages
Teaching Staff
Welcome to the MFL Department at MGGS!
Mrs R Howard Head of Modern Foreign Languages and Head of Spanish, French
Mr S. Richter Head of German
Mrs L. Farnham Head of Year 7, French, Spanish
Mr R. Ashton Head of French, German
Mrs S Bassett French, Spanish
Mrs D. Harrison Head of Spanish, French
Mr P. Kromm French, Spanish
Mrs S. Higbee Spanish, French
Aims
The chief aim of the MFL Department is for every girl to leave MGGS having learnt that it is natural and enjoyable to feel confident in 2 modern foreign languages and looking forward to using and developing her linguistic skills in her future life. The central principle of departmental policy is that languages should be as enjoyable as possible so as to secure the maximum response and understanding from the girls.
Teaching
We aim to communicate using the foreign language not only in, but, where appropriate, outside the classroom. This essential principle is established with sensitivity in order to maintain pupils' confidence. To this end, a sense of humour and spontaneity are seen as essential elements in classroom ambience.
The emphasis within the classroom is on speaking and understanding, encouraging girls to do as much as possible by a variety of methods including discussion, pair-work, acting (and writing) plays, debates, short talks and oral homework.
Staffing
The teaching of languages is the responsibility of the Head of Modern Languages assisted by Heads of German and French, four other full-time teachers and two part-time teachers. French, German and Spanish Assistants are appointed each year.
Curriculum
Entrants to Year 7 study two languages throughout Years 7 to 9. All students learn French and are allocated to a German or Spanish group by the school. If parents have a strong preference for one of these languages, they are invited to express it. Each request is carefully considered by the school.
Many girls choose to study two languages to GCSE but there is a free choice for those who wish to study only one.
Languages are popular at AS and A2 Level, with 49 currently studying French, 41 studying Spanish and 10 studying German.
Standards are high and all girls throughuot the school are well-motivated and hard working. The Department prepares girls for Oxford and Cambridge entrance and girls go on to to study pure language degrees as well as using their languages in other combinations.
A variety of extra-curricular activities is undertaken in all languages including Languages Activity Clubs for younger pupils and extended level clubs for especially keen and motivated students at GCSE level.
Accommodation & Resources
The majority of the teaching is carried out in a suite of five rooms with much of the Year 12 and 13 teaching taking place in the Sixth Form block.
The Department has a Multi-Media Language Laboratory and lively use is made at all levels of additional materials including ICT, CDs, DVDs, current magazines and newspapers.
Frequent reference is made to ongoing cultural and political events in the country concerned. Right from the start, accessible aspects of culture are introduced- songs, riddles and poems leading to more serious literature (albeit in abridged form) before GCSE. An individual, creative response is encouraged at all ages.
Visits and Exchanges
The Department aims to maintain an active and varied contribution to the life of the school as a wholethrough offering an excellent range of trips and exchanges abroad. These are seen as invaluable not only for increasing fluency but for broadening horizons and building confidence.
Trips organised for this academic year:
Year 7 German trip to the Christmas market in Aachen
Year 8 joint French/Technology trip to La Rochelle;
Year 8 German trip to the Mosel
Year 9 French trip to Paris
The Spanish Department also runs a bi-annual trip to Andalucia
Year 12 & 13 Work Experience in France, Germany and Spain
Listening Activities
French GCSE Foundation Listening 1
Depende, Jarabe de Palo
Ping Pong Song, Enrique Iglesias