Modern Languages

French is the main Foreign Language studied in the Academy. Most students in Years 7, 8, and 9 will receive two hours of French per week. The focus is on learning how to survive as a tourist in a French speaking country in numerous every day situations. Students are encouraged to gain confidence in their ability to speak the language and to understand what a native speaker is saying to them. We have a French Assistant in the Department and students have regular opportunities to practice their French with her.

Some students in Year 8 also have the opportunity to start learning Spanish. At the end of Year 9 students can choose to carry on with either French or Spanish or both if they wish.

At GCSE in Years 10 and 11 we follow the AQA Examination Board syllabus.

Year 10 and 11 students also have the opportunity to study Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, or Russian as part of the Travel to Learn programme organised at New College,Wellington.

Regular visits abroad are organised by the Department. Last year we took Years 9 and 10 to Paris and Years 7 and 8 to St Omer. This year we are taking Year 7 to St Omer and next year, as well as the annual trips to France, there will be a visit to Barcelona as a joint venture with the Art Department