Modern Foreign Languages

We seek to develop to the full each pupil’s ability to understand and communicate in modern foreign languages and to become familiar with, and sensitive to different cultures.

We are committed to making the study of modern languages both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable through the use of a wide range of techniques and resources, so that pupils can respond vigorously and independently. We will encourage pupils to develop the skills, habits and attitudes that will support them in their study, work and leisure.

Programmes of study
Enrichment

Teaching Staff

Programmes of study

Shell (Year 9): In their first year at Marlborough, pupils study French; they also study one other European language, choosing from Spanish, German or Russian. All have the choice of continuing one or both languages into the Remove.

Remove (Year 10): Some pupils sit IGCSE French at the end of the Year 10 whilst the remainder of the year group begins the IGCSE curriculum in one or more languages.

Hundred (Year 11): This marks the final year of study for all GCSE courses in French, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin or Japanese. Those who took IGCSE French in the Shell or Remove, sit the DELF B1 French exam. For further information on the DELF qualification, click here.

Pupils are examined in the linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Separate weekly oral lessons are provided.

Lower Sixth: Students may choose to take a two year IB Language B or A level course in French, Spanish, German or Russian. IB ab initio courses are offered in Italian and Mandarin and IB A2 courses for native or non-native speakers of German and Spanish.

All public exams are sat in the Upper Sixth, except for the AS Russian exam at the end of the Lower Sixth.

Weekly oral lessons for all Sixth Form courses are compulsory. Students may also choose to study an ab initio course in Japanese, and / or study for a certificate in Arabic with the chance to study to GCSE level in one or two years. These options are currently conducted off the mainstream timetable, but will be increasingly integrated as mainstream provision.

Upper Sixth: A French enrichment course is offered to those who have already taken A level French which is particularly directed at those looking to study French at Oxbridge or other universities. These pupils sit the DELF B2 certificate of the Institut Francais which they may combine with a one year GCSE course in Italian. There is a further option for those studying Arabic to continue to study to GCSE level.

Enrichment

The Department is keen to include cross-curricular dimensions in its range of activities ranging from from in-College events to its programme of visits and exchanges.

Modern Languages Societies meet once or twice a term. The Babel Society is for Lower School linguists. The Modern Languages Society is for Upper School linguists and encompasses Cercle Français, the Spanish Society, Russian Society, Deutsch Club and  Oriental Society: visiting speakers are often invited or there are language activities such as quizzes, reading competitions, drama and musical events. The Modern Languages Book Club encourages the reading and discussion of international literature in English.

International films are shown and discussed and there are trips to the theatre or cinema.

The Department will assist in arranging visits abroad for all Sixth Form linguists and all European Language Departments provide the opportunity to take part either in exchanges or study visits as indicated below: