Modern Languages
Welcome to the Modern Languages Department at Bexley Grammar School.
Britain needs executives, managers, lawyers, IT specialists with the language skills to make the most of the opportunities provided by the expanding European Union and the global economy. The study of foreign languages affords insights into other cultures, broadens horizons and deepens the learner's understanding of his or her own mother tongue. At Bexley Grammar School, we aim to equip the professionals of tomorrow with the linguistic skills that will enable them to compete successfully in Europe and beyond.
Bexley Grammar School has held Language College Status since 2002 and offers a wide range of languages to pupils of all ages. Language College Status has enabled the school to foster links with local primary schools by providing language tuition and has enabled the department to thoroughly equip its students for their future careers. There are computerised language laboratories, satellite television and all classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and DVD and video players.
During their time at Bexley Grammar School, all pupils are encouraged to spend time in the countries of the language they study. Eight trips are currently planned for 2009, including trips to France, Spain, Germany and Russia and further trips are also being explored.
Bexley Grammar School has held Language College Status since 2002 and offers a wide range of languages to pupils of all ages. Language College Status has enabled the school to foster links with local primary schools by providing language tuition and has enabled the department to thoroughly equip its students for their future careers. There are computerised language laboratories, satellite television and all classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and DVD and video players.
During their time at Bexley Grammar School, all pupils are encouraged to spend time in the countries of the language they study. Eight trips are currently planned for 2009, including trips to France, Spain, Germany and Russia and further trips are also being explored.
KS3
All pupils in Year 7 study a modern language; either French or German. In addition to regular vocabulary tests, pupils are assessed in the four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). Towards the end of Year 7, pupils are given the opportunity to choose a second language for Year 8 onwards. Students can choose from German/French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. Students also have the opportunity to develop their interest in different cultures and/or learn a third language in after-school language clubs.
All pupils in Year 7 study a modern language; either French or German. In addition to regular vocabulary tests, pupils are assessed in the four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). Towards the end of Year 7, pupils are given the opportunity to choose a second language for Year 8 onwards. Students can choose from German/French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. Students also have the opportunity to develop their interest in different cultures and/or learn a third language in after-school language clubs.
KS4
Students continue to study their two modern languages to GCSE.For subjects examined by AQA (French, German, Spanish, Italian) students will follow an exciting new syllabus. Reading and Listening papers will each be worth 20% of the overall grade, while Speaking and Writing (30% each) will be assessed by two oral dialogues and two extended writing pieces respectively. The new syllabus allows greater freedom in choosing topics and expressing personal interests and opinions for these assignments. Students will also have more opportunities to produce them, with only their best attempts being selected for submission.
For the EDEXCEL syllabus (Chinese, Russian and Japanese) students will concentrate on the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing and, by the end of the course, will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
Students continue to study their two modern languages to GCSE.For subjects examined by AQA (French, German, Spanish, Italian) students will follow an exciting new syllabus. Reading and Listening papers will each be worth 20% of the overall grade, while Speaking and Writing (30% each) will be assessed by two oral dialogues and two extended writing pieces respectively. The new syllabus allows greater freedom in choosing topics and expressing personal interests and opinions for these assignments. Students will also have more opportunities to produce them, with only their best attempts being selected for submission.
For the EDEXCEL syllabus (Chinese, Russian and Japanese) students will concentrate on the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing and, by the end of the course, will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
Ø Understand and respond to spoken language ~ 23%
Ø Communicate in speech, showing knowledge of grammar ~ 27%
Ø Understand and respond to written language ~ 23%
Ø Communicate in writing ~ 27%
As many opportunities as possible are provided for students to practise their Languages on foreign visits.
Sixth Form
In Years 12 and 13, pupils are given the opportunity of studying modern languages at GCSE, AS, A2 and IB level. French, German, Spanish, Russian and Japanese are taught at AS, A2 and IB. IB students can also choose to study Chinese Ab Initio. GCSE Punjabi, Italian, Japanese and Chinese are offered as curriculum enrichment subjects for those wishing to add acquire a further language.
During the two year Sixth Form, students study the language in far greater detail and depth. A variety of thought-provoking, contemporary issues is covered in the two years, including media, popular culture, healthy living, lifestyle, the environment, the multicultural society and contemporary social issues, to produce extended work and involves further input, thought and reflection. Apart from access to authentic sources, the students are also given access to foreign language assistants to help practise their spoken language. Currently the department includes Spanish, German, French and Russian assistants, as well as two native Japanese specialists.
In Years 12 and 13, pupils are given the opportunity of studying modern languages at GCSE, AS, A2 and IB level. French, German, Spanish, Russian and Japanese are taught at AS, A2 and IB. IB students can also choose to study Chinese Ab Initio. GCSE Punjabi, Italian, Japanese and Chinese are offered as curriculum enrichment subjects for those wishing to add acquire a further language.
During the two year Sixth Form, students study the language in far greater detail and depth. A variety of thought-provoking, contemporary issues is covered in the two years, including media, popular culture, healthy living, lifestyle, the environment, the multicultural society and contemporary social issues, to produce extended work and involves further input, thought and reflection. Apart from access to authentic sources, the students are also given access to foreign language assistants to help practise their spoken language. Currently the department includes Spanish, German, French and Russian assistants, as well as two native Japanese specialists.
Extra curricular activities
Visiting the relevant country and speaking the target language to native speakers are imperative to learning a language and trips abroad are an important part of language learning at Bexley Grammar School.
All pupils in Year 9 have the opportunity to spend a week in the country of their first language. This year the Germanists are going to the Rhineland and those who study French are going to St Malo.
Visiting the relevant country and speaking the target language to native speakers are imperative to learning a language and trips abroad are an important part of language learning at Bexley Grammar School.
All pupils in Year 9 have the opportunity to spend a week in the country of their first language. This year the Germanists are going to the Rhineland and those who study French are going to St Malo.
- Pupils in Year 10 who have Spanish, Russian or Japanese as a second language also have the opportunity to visit Salamanca in Spain, Moscow and St Petersburg in Russia or Tokyo in Japan.
- Sixth Form students have visited Vienna, Berlin, Paris and Tokyo and have most recently had the opportunity to do work experience in France, Germany and Spain.
- Sixth Form students have the opportunity to visit Vienna, Berlin, Valencia or Caen. We are now also offering a one week work experience placement in France, Germany or Spain.
- Y12 students have the opportunity to train as Foreign Language Leader Assistants (FLLA). This is a nationally certified qualification which trains students to teach language clubs in local primary schools.
A number of after-school and lunch time clubs offer opportunities for pupils to either learn an additional language in a more relaxed environment or to hone their skills in a language they already study. Current clubs include: Chinese, Russian and Japanese.
To visit the website recently created by some Year 11 students working with Mrs Cox for a Japanese contest please click below:
