Modern Languages
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Department Staff
- Mr Malcolm Nierinck (Head of Modern Languages and Head of German)
- Mrs Jacqueline Pullen (Head of French and Russian)
- Mr Barry Doherty (Head of Spanish)
- Mrs Frederique Anand
- Mrs Mary-Grace Browning
- Mr James Featherstone
- Miss Susan Lacey
- Dr Rebecca Mitchell
- Mrs Habiba O'Grady
- Miss Louise Playfair
- Mrs Sybille Wilson
- Mrs Henar Tortajada-Powys
The languages
We offer French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese and Japanese.
Sets
For most pupils French is compulsory to GCSE and is set from the First Form according to ability. There are four sets in each year group. The top set take the GCSE at the end of the Fourth Form. In the Fifth Form pupils begin study of a new language, Arabic, or the AS French course. There are usually two French and two Spanish sets and one German set in the Lower Sixth Form with approximately 10 pupils per set. There are usually two sets for French and one each for Spanish and German in the Upper Sixth when pupils start to study literature in addition to language. In the Sixth Form pupils enjoy the benefits of having two French, Spanish or German teachers and a native speaker with whom they have an oral lesson once a week.
From 2006-7 one of the First Form French sets has been replaced by a Spanish set. For pupils in this set, Spanish will be compulsory to GCSE.
Options
In the Third Form pupils may choose to study a second language, either Spanish or German. At the end of the Third Form, they may decide to continue this language to GCSE in the Fourth and Fifth Forms. There are generally two Spanish sets and one German set in the Third to Fifth Forms.
Skills
At all stages of the language learning process the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are developed. We recognise that all of the skills are vital to success and our teaching strategies reflect this important balance. We also believe that pupils should be able to manipulate the language themselves. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on grammatical understanding, whilst always encouraging the development of practical comprehension and communication skills.
Examinations
The department sits Edexcel examinations in all languages at both GCSE, AS and A2 level. Strong linguists are encouraged to apply to Oxbridge and are fully supported in the application and interview process.
Facilities
The department is situated in modern buildings and the department has access to the latest technology: satellite television, data projectors and a computer room. A Sony language laboratory is also available for use.
Exchanges
The French department has introduced a new exchange arrangement with St Croix de Neuilly, an independent school in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a western suburb of Paris. It is open to Third and Fourth Form pupils only; we hope eventually to be able to offer either a group exchange programme or a pen-friend arrangement to all our pupils, from the First through to the Upper Sixth Forms. The pupils from Paris come to Cambridge in October and our pupils visit Paris during the February half-term holiday. The Sixth Form also have the opportunity to undertake a work experience placement in France during the Easter holidays or take part in a cultural trip to Paris. There is a German exchange with a school in Norderstedt (Hamburg) for Third to Upper Sixth Formers. The pupils from Germany visit us in October and we visit Norderstedt in the following February/March. German work experience placements can also be arranged. Spanish pupils in the Lower Sixth Form have the opportunity to undertake a one week study course during the Easter holidays and it has been attended by some of our pupils for the last few years. There are various trips which are undertaken by the department and efforts are also being made to establish a new Spanish exchange in the near future.
Arabic
Arabic is offered as a one year course in the Fifth Form to those who have already obtained a GCSE in French at the end of the Fourth Form.
Russian
Russian is offered as a GCSE option in the Sixth Form.
Beginners' Portuguese and beginners' German
Portuguese is offered as part of the Enrichment Programme in the Sixth Form. A beginners' course in German is also offered at this stage.
Japanese
Japanese is offered through an after-school club and in exceptional circumstances pupils may take a GCSE or higher qualification in this subject.
Mr Malcolm Nierinck
Head of Modern Languages