At Shiplake College, we are passionate about language learning, and we recognise its growing importance in today’s world. With increasing numbers of young people progressing to university, competition in the workplace is more intense than ever. At the same time, we live in a multi-cultural society where multilingual speakers are common, making the ability to speak more than one language as valuable as it has ever been.
Resources
In the Modern Languages Department, our greatest resource is our highly experienced team of teachers who have all travelled extensively and lived abroad. We bring first-hand cultural knowledge into lessons, making them engaging, dynamic and rooted in authentic communication.
The department benefits from three dedicated classrooms, and we make full use of modern technology, incorporating a wide range of digital tools into our teaching to enhance learning and keep lessons interactive. Enjoying a stunning view over the River Thames, it is an inspiring setting for language learning.
Additional Opportunities
Learning a language at Shiplake extends far beyond the classroom walls. Students are encouraged to take part in clubs, competitions and cultural events, as well as national and international visits. We also offer leadership opportunities for those who show a particular passion for languages.
Previous international visits have included trips to Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, while French learners very recently explored the Pays de la Loire region in Western France. Before this visit, students exchange hand-written letters with their French pen pals, making the experience more personal, building genuine relationships, and adding an extra layer of reward. Meeting their correspondents in person during the trip brings language learning to life, and the friendship continues when our pen pals subsequently visit us in return.
These experiences complement classroom learning, building confidence, fluency and cultural awareness.
Curriculum
Students study either French or Spanish at Key Stage 3. We regularly welcome new joiners in Year 9, and we ensure that they are fully integrated into the course. While taking a modern language for GCSE is not compulsory, many students choose to continue their studies to this level, and both French and Spanish are available at A Level.
Whether they continue to university or take their skills directly into the workplace, Shiplake students leave with transferable skills that last a lifetime.
Key Stage 3
The majority of students who join in Year 7 have studied French in their previous schools. At Shiplake, pupils in Years 7-9 choose to study either French or Spanish for two periods per week. Pupils who receive additional Learning Development lessons do not receive language lessons. We often facilitate early entry to GCSE languages for students with a native background in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Mandarin and Japanese. If you are interested in this option, please contact the Head of Modern Languages.
GCSE
Learning a language will broaden horizons. You do not have to be completely fluent in a language for it to make a real difference, making the knowledge gained at GCSE will serve you well long into the future. At GCSE, pupils may opt to study Spanish and/or French. Whilst the study of a language is not compulsory, pupils are actively encouraged to pursue one due to the wider benefits which it entails.
Teaching follows the AQA iGCSE syllabus as it best suits the needs of our linguists and prepares them for A level entry. The Modern Foreign Languages Department does not rely on a particular course textbook, preferring instead to develop a variety of their own resources. The iGCSE tests the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each element carries an equal weighting of 25%.
In addition, outside of the standard curriculum, the department are currently accommodating students preparing for examination in German, Portuguese and Mandarin. This is generally for international students who have the option to earn a qualification in their native language.
Sixth Form
French and Spanish are taught by specialist teachers for 5 lessons per week. In order to study a modern foreign language at A-level, a pupil must have achieved at least a B grade at GCSE. The aim of Modern Foreign Languages courses at Key Stage 5 is to develop a lifelong interest and enthusiasm for language learning. Again, teachers prefer to formulate their own schemes of work and draw from a variety of resources, contexts and genres. Pupils develop awareness and understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of countries and communities where their chosen language is spoken. French and Spanish follow relatively similar course structures, exploring topics such as social issues and trends in the target country, political and artistic culture, grammar, literary texts and film.
Pupils will sit three assessments, including two written examinations and one speaking examination. The written elements will include listening and responding, read a variety of texts and answering questions in the target language, translating passages into English, and critical and analytical responses to a set text and a set film. The speaking examination requires students to discuss a theme and give a presentation based on individual project research.
Whilst studying a foreign language at A-level is undoubtedly a challenging prospect, the advanced qualification is highly respected by employers and higher education establishments. As European countries draw more closely together, having an in-depth knowledge of a modern language is becoming increasingly vital in today’s world. Language A-levels demonstrate to universities and potential employers excellent academic ability, allowing access to a broad range of university courses as well as future career opportunities.