Modern Foreign Languages

“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

Languages Faculty Vision

As a result of the learning experience in this Faculty, we aim for each student to:

appreciate the importance of language in order to access other cultures and truly belong to a community
become competent communicators who aspire to being able to speak at least one foreign language with confidence
develop their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills through the enjoyment of learning foreign languages and deepening knowledge of their own language
understand the value of and reap the rewards of effortful, independent learning
understand and celebrate the multiple and transferable benefits of language learning
develop a positive attitude towards language learning and persevere in the face of challenges
become lifelong and passionate language learners with a sense of adventure
feel empowered to interact and thrive abroad
broaden their horizons and increase their cultural awareness and curiosity
develop and articulate their own views on global issues
develop into international citizens who are understanding and tolerant of others

All of our students continue their French studies to GCSE level. In Year 8 all students choose a second foreign language, either Spanish or Italian, which they study until the end of Year 9 with the option to continue to GCSE. We are proud that many of our students decide to study both languages up to GCSE and beyond.

The MFL department has an established and extensive programme of trips and visits on offer as we believe that this is an important part of language learning.

Currently Year 7 students have a day trip to St. Malo during their Activities Week programme. We often also have an Activities trip to France for Key Stage 3. For GCSE and A Level French students there is the wonderful opportunity to participate in our Rouen home stay study visit.

For Spanish students we also offer a biennial trip to northern Spain which incorporates language learning and cultural visits. For Italian students there is an exciting biennial trip to Lucca which is a home stay visit with language learning and visits to other areas of Tuscany. A2 students have the option of completing work experience in France, Spain or Italy organised by Halsbury Work Experience in Year 13.

We are always very pleased to enter many students for the French, Spanish and Italian classes of the Jersey Eisteddfod each year, with many of our students achieving gold and even platinum certificates. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to speak publicly in the target language; preparation for the event is extensive and allows students to focus on pronunciation.

Our extra-curricular programme includes sessions for students aspiring to study Modern Languages at university, grammar support clinics, Eisteddfod preparation sessions and the opportunity to join classes in Japanese and Mandarin.

At KS3 students currently follow the Allez course in French. In Years 10 and 11 students will prepare for the AQA GCSE examinations in all languages. At A level students follow the AQA course for French and Spanish and the Edexcel course for Italian.

Please refer to the AQA website on the links below for more information: