Modern Languages

At Canons High School students have the opportunity to study either French or Spanish from Year 8 and can choose to continue with that language until Year 11. 

In addition, we respect and value the cultural and linguistic diversity of our students and encourage many to take GCSE examinations in their home languages.  In the summer 2008 students took GCSE exams in Gujarati, Urdu, Persian, Dutch, Arabic, Italian, Bengali and Polish; and A-Level exams in Persian.

Staffing

The department is staffed by an experienced, enthusiastic and committed team who work collaboratively and share resources and ideas. We have high expectations of all students and welcome the challenges and rewards offered by teaching Modern Languages in mixed-ability groups.

The team is comprised of two full-time teachers, one part-time Advanced Skills Teacher, and one part-time teacher of Gujarati. We are also complemented by a language assistant and other members of support staff who help with the GCSE speaking exams.  We also work with the Institute of Education to provide successful placements for Student Teachers and feel that this brings benefits for all involved as there is a great willingness in the department to be reflective and improve practice.

Teaching and Learning

We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies to address the range of students' preferred learning styles and to develop their learning power.

All rooms are equipped with projectors and Interactive Whiteboards. Excellent use is made of ICT with presentation and practice activities often in the form of Powerpoint presentations.  Additional software such as Boardworks and Active Teach is used to support learning and the department has a range of games software as well as subscriptions to Linguascope and Español Extra.

Coursebooks:

French - Métro 1,3,4 and Expo GCSE

Spanish - Mira 1,2 and GCSE

Cross-curricular

We are keen to develop students' cultural awareness as well as their linguistic ability.  On 26 September we celebrate the European Day of Languages throughout the school.  Students take part in a variety of activities including cheese-tasting, quizzes, acting to a French song and creating art in the style of Kurt Schwitters and Marcel Duchamp using text from French magazines. 

We also aim to provide other opportunities for students to experience the culture.  We have arranged salsa lessons for Yr10 Spanish students and non-alcoholic Sangria lessons for Yr 9s.  We are currently organising trips to both France and Spain for GCSE language students.