At St Sampson’s High School, we believe that studying Modern Languages opens many doors to pupils. It is a skill which is highly valued by employers but also improves literacy, cultural knowledge and grammatical awareness. All pupils study both French and German in Year 7 before electing which language to study through the remainder of Key Stage 3. Modern Foreign Languages are optional at GCSE but there is usually a popular uptake.
In addition to our teaching staff, we have a wonderful French Language Assistant, so pupils can experience speaking one to one or in small groups outside of the classroom. Lessons often include a cultural element, informing pupils about the lifestyle in French and German-speaking countries. We aim to make lessons as interactive as possible and focus on key topics that are relevant to young people. Pupils also get the chance to watch foreign films and television clips in lessons, as well as using their iPads to help them to learn. Pupils are assessed each term in Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening skills.
The department works hard to promote the importance of languages across the school. For example, pupils take part in activities and competitions for European Day of Languages and cross-curricular events.