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. Some pupils take GCSE French at the end of the year, and all have the choice of continuing one or both languages into the Remove.

Remove (Year 10): Those pupils who have taken GCSE French embark either on a two year course in AS French, or may take up an oriental language, ready to sit GCSE in the Lower Sixth. Others sit GCSE French at the end of the Year 10 whilst the remainder of the year group begins the GCSE curriculum in one or more languages (of which one must be French).

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 GCSE French in the Shell or Remove, sit their AS French exam.

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 one year AS course in French, Spanish, German or Russian.

For those who have taken AS French in the Hundred the A2 course, leading to a full A level, may be taken in the Lower Sixth.

Weekly oral lessons for all AS and A2 courses are compulsory. Students may also choose to study for a GCSE ab initio in Italian, Mandarin or Japanese, and / or study for a certificate in Arabic. These options are currently conducted off the mainstream timetable, but will be increasingly integrated as mainstream provision.

Upper Sixth: The majority of students who have taken AS continue with the A2 course. Weekly oral lessons continue as a vital component leading to a full A level.

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 certificate of the Institut Francais and may also sit the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) at the end of the year. 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.

Spanish films are shown and discussed in regular Noches de cine evenings. Trips to the theatre or cinema are also arranged.

La Revue Bleue is an annual publication that features some of the best work done in the Department over the course of the academic year.

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: