Modern Foreign Languages

Why study a modern foreign language?

The study of modern foreign languages enhances cultural awareness, develops oral and written communication and powers of analysis; and increases confidence. All these skills can be transferred to other subjects and careers.

At Bradford Girls' Grammar School, three modern foreign languages are offered: French, German and Spanish from KS3 to A-level.  We have four full-time staff, three of whom are native speakers of French or Spanish.

The department comprises a number of classrooms and an audio/computer suite using Sanako software.  Classrooms are equipped with a computer, projector, TV, CD and DVD players along with Smartboard and audio facilities.  A wide range of enjoyable and stimulating resources is used to stimulate pupils.  In addition a dedicated classroom is specifically set aside for language tutorials with sixth form students.

Which specification is followed?

At KS3 all pupils study all three languages before choosing their language options at the end of Upper 4. Pupils must choose at least one language to study for GCSE but many opt to study at least two.

All three languages are offered at A-level.  We provide conversation classes in small groups for all girls studying A levels.

All pupils follow the AQA specification for both GCSE and A levels.

We maintain strong links with our Preparatory School where French is taught from Lower 1 and Spanish is offered as a lunch club.

Workshops, conferences and visits

A trip to Normandy is organised for pupils in years Upper 3 and Lower 4.   The trip provides the opportunity to sample local produce as well as to visit places of historical interest and, of course, practise their French.

A trip to Paris is organised with the Business Studies/IT department when pupils attend a European conference on politics and economics with keynote speakers such as John Sergeant.

A trip for Upper School pupils to Andalucia in Southern Spain offers pupils the opportunity to study at the local language institute as well as to participate in cultural visits and activities.

The German Department has organised exchange trips with pupils from a music school in Berlin as well as trips to one of Germany’s many Christmas markets.

The Spanish Department organises trips to Manchester’s Instituto Cervantes, including a day conference covering aspects of modern Spanish society.

Degree and career choices

A modern language can be paired with virtually any other subject, the more traditional Arts combinations or Maths and Sciences, to show a wider breadth of knowledge and skills.

An increasing number of degree courses include a language element.  Recent students have gone on to study a modern language with Law, Business Studies, Marketing, Management, International Studies and Computing to name but a few possible combinations.  A modern foreign language will increase a student’s marketability when faced with competition in the global job market.