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Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish)

Department staff

MODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

• The Modern Languages Department at Norwich School offers French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese.
• All teachers are highly qualified and pupils benefit from contact with native speakers.
• Our aim is to promote enthusiasm for languages by offering a wide range of courses at different levels.

  Lower 4 (year 7)

All pupils study French, either by building on previous knowledge or starting from scratch.  During the Lent term, pupils have taster lessons in German and Spanish to enable them to choose which language to study in Upper 4.

 Upper 4 (year 8) and Lower 5 (year 9)

Pupils continue with French.  They also start a second language which may be either German or Spanish.

 Middle 5 (year 10) and Upper 5 (year 11)

Pupils choose to study at least one language to IGCSE.  Able linguists may be invited to join one of the double language sets which enable pupils to take two languages (French and one of German or Spanish) for the price of one.

 Lower 6 (year 12) and Upper 6 (year 13)

French, German and Spanish are offered at AS and A2 level to pupils who have achieved a strong GCSE pass (preferably A* or A).  We also offer an introductory GCSE courses in Russian within the Lower and Upper 6 General Studies programme.  The French and Spanish departments study the AQA specifications, while the German department use the OCR specifications.

TRIPS AND EXCHANGES

 We believe that the best way to really get to grips with a language is to visit the country where it is spoken and immerse oneself in its culture and history.  For this reason, we organize a range of trips and exchanges.  Many of our pupils take part in these and benefit from the opportunities these present.

FRENCH DEPARTMENT

 Lower 4 : Normandy

Always a popular trip, which allows the younger pupils to sample French culture and learn about some of Normandy’s history.  Pupils visit the spectacular Mont St. Michel, see the Bayeux Tapestry and learn about military history in some excellent D-day landing museums.  As well as increasing their cultural knowledge, the trip provides pupils with the opportunity to practise their French through a wide range of activities.

Lower 5 and Middle 5 : Paris Exchange

“Outside of Paris there is no hope for the cultured!” Molière

This exchange offers pupils an opportunity to sample the wonders of Parisian life.  Our partner school is in the elegant suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, within walking distance of the Arc de Triomphe.  During their time in Paris, pupils benefit hugely from speaking French with their host families and visiting a range of Parisian sites.

 Sixth Form : Perpignan

Perpignan is perfectly placed in south west France with its proximity to the mountains and the sea.  Our pupils always receive a very warm reception from their host families where they enjoy a range of local dishes even if they don’t know exactly what they are eating!  Trips to astonishing castles built on rocky ranges are the order of the day as is a tour of a local vineyard, not to mention experiencing lessons in our partner school.

 What the pupils said:

 “I got so much out of the trip and was really pleased to discover what an amazing feeling it is to be able to have a conversation in a foreign language.”

  “All of a sudden the lights came on and I realized that I definitely wanted to take French at university.”

  “Every pupil should go an exchange; it teaches you so much about yourself.”

GERMAN DEPARTMENT

 Upper 4 : Hamburg trip

 Pupils have their first opportunity to try out their German skills on a trip to Hamburg during the February half-term.  They sally forth to buy food, postcards and gifts from the market stall-holders with remarkable confidence, sampling German specialities with great gusto. 

A range of visits is organized. The pupils visit a local school and spend the afternoon with some  local children. They go skating and swimming and also have a tour of the port, climb to the top of the magnificent Michaeliskirche tower and no-one ever forgets the trip to the Hamburg waterworks (sewers)!

Lower 5 and Middle 5 : Linz exchange

This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our link with Linz.  Renowned for their generous hospitality, our colleagues in Linz always go out of their way to organize a varied and interesting range of activities which include a reception in the town hall given by the mayor, a visit to a chocolate factory and a trip to Cologne and Bonn.  This is a tremendously successful exchange, with many pupils being invited back for a second visit.

 Lower 6 : Liechtenstein exchange

 Now in its 15th year, 6th formers studying German at AS level go to the Principality of Liechtenstein (population 29,000) to exchange with the only Gymnasium in the country.  Due to Mr Croston’s unique contacts in the country, students visit the Prince’s art collection, the castle and some local businesses as well as spending time in school and with host families.  Many also get to explore the mountains and ski.  Liechtenstein is a perfect starting point for trips out into Switzerland and Austria and Bavaria is also within easy reach. This is a perfect opportunity to visit the smallest German speaking country while improving one’s German.

 Upper 6 : Berlin

 The Upper 6 visit Hamburg, Berlin and Bremen.  Students are able to practise their spoken German with all tickets and bookings being undertaken by the students themselves.  In preparation for the A2 speaking examinations, students learn about the country, its history, culture and people first hand.  Visits include the Berlin Wall, Check-point Charlie and a concentration camp.

 SPANISH DEPARTMENT

Middle5 :Oviedo exchange

 “Oviedo is like a fairy tale” Woody Allen

 The M5 have the opportunity to take part in an exchange with a secondary school in the beautiful and unspoilt city of Oviedo, Northern Spain. While there, the pupils experience the famously warm welcome of the local people, as well as visiting a number of cultural and historical sites. Our exchange school, Colegio Loyola PP Escolapíos provides a range of enjoyable Spanish-based activities to allow pupils to have fun, develop their language skills and return knowing more about Spanish life.

 Lower 6 and Upper 6 : Barcelona and Salamanca

 In the October half term of each year, the 6th Formers visit Barcelona or Salamanca (these trips run on a two-year rotation). During these study visits, pupils stay with Spanish hosts and follow an intensive language course in the mornings, with social and cultural activities taking place in the afternoons and evenings.

 Salamanca is an historic university town in the region of Castilla y Leon. It is famous for its graceful sandstone architecture and for being the birthplace of castellano, or standard Spanish. Pupils go on a day-trip to Segovia, where they see the enormous Roman aqueduct and the Alcazar, the palace that was once home to Spanish Royalty and provided the inspiration for Walt Disney’s fairy-tale castles.

Well-known for its delicious food and beautiful beaches, Barcelona also offers a wealth of cultural sights: pupils climb the tower of Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, visit the unique Parc Güell, enjoy unparalleled views over the city from Montjuïc, and stroll around the Barri Gotic (Gothic quarter), where the stunning church of Santa María del Mar is located, as well as many pretty boutiques and coffee shops.

 “Barcelona was amaaaaazing!”