Modern Languages

"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way"(Frank Smith)

Modern languages form an important part of the Beechwood school curriculum. We believe that learning a modern foreign language enriches the education of our students, enhancing their learning skills in a variety of ways as well as giving them an understanding of the world beyond our own island.

Three modern foreign languages are taught at Beechwood: French, German and Spanish. We stress the value of a communicative approach with our lessons being conducted largely in the target language. We develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through a wide range of activities including: pair work, group work, watching recorded material, playing games, using interactive computer resources and songs, to name a few.

The Modern Languages department aims to stimulate interest and enjoyment of other cultures. Fashion shows, French breakfasts and weather forecasting all play an important part in motivating and building confidence.

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart" (Nelson Mandela)

Years 7 - 9

Year 7 students start by studying French as their main foreign language. Teaching groups are small and the emphasis is kept on the spoken language with the introduction of listening, reading and writing skills.

In the Autumn term of year 8, students are given the opportunity to experience German and Spanish in addition to French. They then continue to study one or two languages.

In year 9, students continue with their modern foreign language(s).

GCSE and A-level
French, German and Spanish are all offered for study at GCSE and A-level. You can find out more in the GCSE and A-level booklets.

Activities
Our students are encouraged to subscribe to magazines and wew arrange class pen friend correspondences with Sacred Heart schools. During the academic year, students are also invited to theatre performances,  conferences  and trips. Recently, Years 7 and 8 went to France for the day;  pupils  from Years 7 to 10  went on a residential trip to the Cologne Christmas markets in Germany; recent Spanish trips have included visits to Barcelona and Madrid. We also have strong links with other Sacred Heart schools and our students have experienced two week visits, staying with families in Vienna and Barcelona.

A Day in Boulogne

To celebrate Sacred Heart Feast Day, Years 7 & 8 woke up abnormally early, to set off to visit  Boulogne.
On arrival in France our first trip was to the Auchan Hypermarket, where we all enjoyed buying real French food. After this we drove to "La Barque Solaire" (The Ship of the Sun) where the torrential rain forced us to eat lunch under our umbrellas. Then we went into the Old Town where we visited the Cathedral and then shopped, with a lot us buying berets.
Next we walked down into the new part of the town where everyone was allowed to spend more money in the shops. Finally we passed the fish market to rejoin our coach and drive back to the EuroShuttle.
Thank you to all the teachers who came with us especially Madame Jenner for organising the day. Matilda & Sorcha

Visit to the German Christmas Markets
After an early start and a 10 hour journey the German students arrived in Cologne. We settled into our rooms, had our first meal in the Youth Hostel and then made our way to the buzzing Christmas Market, that had a wonderful smell of mulled wine.

The next day we toured Cologne armed with cameras and tour guides. In the old market we found some typical German food which several girls tasted. After we shopped till we dropped, then we climbed the 509 steps to the top of the Cathedral to look at the spectacular view of Cologne. We then ventured down into the crypt and discovered the sparkling treasures of the Cathedral.

The next visit was to the chocolate factory, followed by dinner then ice skating. The following morning we were all aching and had to start our projects and grabbed our last minute Christmas shopping.  Then back on the coach for the return journey. A big thank you to all the staff for making the trip a memorable one.
Hannah Wynn, Kortnie French

A Week in France

C'etait cool!

Wednesday opened a week of excitement and adventure for a group of Beechwood girls, when at 3.00 am, we set off for Le Puy-en-Velay in France.
We stayed with our own French family and the afternoons were spent as an English group, going on outings into the town and visiting local sites - and yes, Mme Clarke, we have forgiven you for hiking us up to the top of a mountain! Having to spend the weekend by ourselves with our "family" was, although somewhat terrifying to begin with, thoroughly enjoyable and a real benefit to our linguistic and communication skills!
Much French was learnt and many friends were made, despite all our previous worries!  A huge thank you is owed to Mme Clarke for such a cultural, well organised and successful trip.  Bella Copleston