Modern Foreign Languages

In the increasingly global environment in which we live, the ability to communicate with people in other parts of the world is a valuable skill especially in the world of work. The study of modern languages is also vital in order to feel part of Europe in the 21st Century.

The department is very successful and aims to provide enjoyment, to broaden the girls' education, to foster independence of learning and develop a better understanding of the wider world. In recent years, A level students have gone on to study Languages at Cambridge, Bath, Sheffield and Royal Holloway, UCL, Kings College London and Bristol.

The department is very fortunate to have language assistants for all three languages. They bring an extra dimension to the department as well as giving individual oral lessons to A level students. .

Each year, the department appoints one or more Language Prefects. These are members of Year 13 who are studying languages for A level and have shown a particular enthusiasm and talent for languages. They help in the department in general as well as running a weekly language club for younger girls.

AS/A2 level Modern Languages

Kent College offers AS/A2 courses in French, German and Spanish.

 An advanced study of modern languages can be an advantage, whatever your ambitions. Increasing numbers of businesses and professions are looking for employees who can offer a foreign language in addition to their specialist skills. Future engineers, lawyers and accountants, as well as those wishing to work abroad or within the Civil Service, should consider continuing to study a language in the Lower Sixth.

AS/A2 level French

At A level, students are encouraged to speak French at all times during lessons. The emphasis is on current affairs with topical issues events discussed each week. The course aims to educate students about the French culture whilst teaching the French language.

Authentic texts are used to develop reading and listening skills, and French DVDs and videos help to extend students' exposure of the French language.

Trips:

Students are strongly encouraged to do work experience or attend a course in France in order to spend some time amongst native speakers and improve their spoken language. The department runs a successful French exchange with our partner school in St Jean de Luz in the Basque area of France where the girls have the opportunity to be fully immersed in a French family and way of life. The girls are giving the opportunity to attend French cinema conference and French theatre performed in London.

AS/A2 level German

The aim of the course is to develop a high level of communication and comprehension skills, together with an awareness of various aspects of society in the countries where German is spoken.

 A course book is followed and knowledge of German grammar is revised and extended. Students are encouraged to improve their reading skills by gathering authentic material from the internet, television, and German cinema and literature.

 In the first year, students will be able to discuss and understand authentic material so that their language study is advanced to a halfway point between GCSE and A level.

 In the second year, the demand for accuracy increases and there is a greater emphasis on application and integration of knowledge, understanding and skills from across the whole syllabus.

The school has recently started an exchange programme with the Albertus Magnum Gymnasium School in Stuttgart. Pupils also attend courses related to their German studies, watch German films at the cinema or attend events organised by the Goethe Institute.

AS/A2 Spanish

The aim of the course is to develop a high level of communication and comprehension skills, together with an awareness of various aspects of society in the countries where Spanish is spoken.

A course book and online material is used and knowledge of Spanish grammar is revised and extended. Students are encouraged to improve their reading and listening skills by gathering authentic material from the internet, television and Spanish literature and cinema. Students are encouraged to watch Spanish films in order to help extend their exposure to Spanish language and culture.

In the first year, students will be able to discuss and understand authentic material so that their language study is advanced to a halfway point between GCSE and A level.

 In the second year, the demand for accuracy increases and there is a greater emphasis on application and integration of knowledge, understanding and skills from across the whole syllabus.

Trips:

Students are advised to attend a language course in Spain. There is also the possibility, from time to time, for students to attend films or conferences in London.