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Modern Languages

The study of a modern language is considered to be an important part of the Curriculum at Red House. Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in French Club in Year 3 in preparation for beginning to learn French in the Prep School. All pupils continue to study French from Year 4 to GCSE and, in Year 7, the most able pupils are given the opportunity to learn a second language: either German or Spanish. In Years 10 and 11, German and Spanish are option subjects.

Please visit our separate Modern Language pages:

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish

modern_languages.jpgIn the Modern Languages Department, we believe in using the communicative approach to teaching and learning by using the target language as much as possible. Grammar is taught progressively in order to lay a sound foundation for further language study. We aim to help every pupil achieve his/her full potential, whatever his/her ability.

In order to do so we therefore try to ensure that our teaching will enable pupils across the whole ability range:  

  • to study a foreign language with success and enjoyment
  •  to develop an understanding of the nature of a language and language learning
  •  to develop the ability to use the language effectively for the purposes of practical communication
  •  to develop a firm base of the skills and language required for further study, work and leisure
  • to develop a sound knowledge of grammar  
  • to gain an insight into the culture and civilization of the country
  • to enable pupils to work both independently and co-operatively and to develop personal qualities such as initiative and independence
  •  to ensure the highest level of success in external examinations

 

The Modern Languages Department offers pupils the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities in order to enrich their language learning experience:

  •  Prep School pupils take part in a National Language Learning competition making use of ICT. They have learnt a variety of languages ranging from German and Portuguese to Japanese and Thai and have reached the final of the competition for the last two years.
  •  we arrange theatre visits or invite touring theatre companies into school to perform in the target language.
  •  we have a programme of residential visits abroad.

Modern Languages Personnel

The Modern Languages Department consists of a Head of Faculty, Mrs E M Luscombe; a full-time Head of French, Mrs C Blyth; a full-time Head of German, Mrs H Lloyd; and a part-time Head of Spanish, Ms J Smart. All members of the department are highly experienced and specialists in their respective fields.

Mrs C Blyth  BA (Hons) Humanities in French and English  (Lancashire Polytechnic), PGCE in French and English  (University of York)

Mrs H Lloyd  BA (Hons) in German Studies (Birmingham University),  PGCE in German and French (Westminster College, Oxford)

Mrs E M Luscombe  Certificate of Education  (Balls Park College, Hertford)

Ms J Smart BA (Hons) French and Spanish Language and Literature (Manchester University), PGCE French and Spanish (St Martin’s Lancaster University)

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