Modern Foreign Languages

The Modern Foreign Languages department is a central part of Harris Girls’ Academy and all our students take either Spanish or French at KS3, with the expectation that all will continue to GCSE as part of the KS4 curriculum.

In Modern Foreign Languages, students enjoy communicating with other people, finding out how language works and learning about different countries and cultures.

In all our lessons students develop communication skills, both receptive (listening and reading), and productive (speaking and writing). Typical topics include holidays, media and culture, healthy living, the environment, work experience and school/future plans.

Taking GCSE Spanish/French means our students will:

• learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of future careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, being confident about speaking in public, using problem-solving strategies, etc
• add an extra dimension to their personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads their CV
• have much more fun when travelling to a French or Spanish-speaking country
• be able to study AS and A2 French/Spanish courses

Examples of employment where language skills are particularly valued include journalism and media, law, engineering, business and marketing, ICT, sport and leisure, travel and tourism, customer service, civil service and teaching.

People with language skills and knowledge are highly thought of in the modern world. They stand out as talented and successful people, with broad and exciting horizons.

Many students enter a GCSE in a Modern Language they are already fluent in outside of the taught curriculum here at the academy, such as Chinese. They must be able to read, write, speak and listen to the Language fluently before GCSE entry will be considered.

The curriculum overview for each year group can be downloaded below.