| Modern Languages
French, German, Spanish and Russian and some
Italian are all taught at the school. All boys start French
in the First Form and have the opportunity to take up German
and/or Spanish in the Third Form. Russian is a further language
option for the more able linguists in the 4th Form. GCSE,
AS and A level courses are offered in all four languages.
In our teaching we set out to develop the
pupils’ ability to communicate effectively in the foreign
language, while consolidating their reading and writing skills;
we give them an insight into the culture and civilization
of the country, and we seek always to encourage a positive
attitude to language learning and to other cultures. The emphasis
throughout is on the use of authentic language in practical
situations, and class work consists of a variety of practical
linguistic tasks, many linked to audio-visual material. Grammar
is not neglected, however, and pupils are encouraged to exercise
and analyse the structures both of the languages that they
study and of English. In the AS and A level courses these
linguistic skills are developed to a more sophisticated level
and there is an increasing focus on the institutions and contemporary
life of the country, as well as the study of some literature.
All classes are conducted as much as possible in the foreign
language, and our French, German and Spanish assistants provide
regular conversation practice for small groups of pupils.
The School organises an annual exchange with
a school in Hamburg, and regular study trips and family exchanges
to France and visits to Spain and Russia, and Sixth Formers
are encouraged to attend summer study courses at universities
and language schools in Europe. The new digital Language Laboratory
uses Divace software and all classes are timetabled to use
it regularly for oral and aural work.
To find out more about CLS Language Trips
click on the links below:
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