Modern Languages

Staff: Mr. E.S.Winter (Head of Modern Languages) and Mrs. T. Gordon both teach both French and German to GCSE, AS and A2 level.

In today's constantly changing world, the benefits of studying Modern Foreign Languages have never been so apparent. An ability to converse in Modern Languages is a huge asset, and often crucial, in a wide range of fields such as Sales, Marketing, International Banking, Transport, Tourism, European Law and the EU, as well as in more traditional professional linguist posts in Interpreting and Translating. In addition, confidence in communicating in other tongues enables many to enjoy stays abroad all the more.

Students are prepared for examinations at all levels that test their ability in the four essential skill areas – listening, reading, speaking and writing. Much of the teaching is carried out in the target language (French or German) and emphasis is placed on communication skills through role plays and spoken presentations. In both languages, students will encounter a range of typical everyday situations in oral work at Key Stage 3, and will be required to understand and write about topics such as Home Life, School, Hobbies, Holidays in the present and past tenses.

At GCSE, pupils may study either or both languages and seek to develop these skills further, including the use of the future tense and expressing opinions. The AQA syllabus is followed. For the writing paper, the coursework option is pursued with a series of assignments written in the target language either as homework or under controlled conditions. All four skills carry 25% of the total marks and candidates may be entered at either foundation or higher level for each of the skills. Pupils are assessed for their communication and range and complexity of language as well as for accuracy in speaking and writing, and are expected to answer a variety of comprehension questions in English and French/German for listening and reading.  

At AS and A2 level, the OCR syllabus is followed. Again, all skills are tested, but modules involve mixed skills such as the Listening, Reading and Writing paper. Pupils have more autonomy in carrying out research in preparation for speaking tests, in which they are expected to argue a point of view in greater depth. In listening comprehension, extracts are more authentic and students have control of their own tape to listen to an extract as often as required. A range of reading material from text book, magazines and the internet supplements vocabulary and there is in-depth focus on grammar to handle longer writing assignments at AS and extended essay tasks at A2.  Two modules are assessed at the end of year 12 (AS), two at the end of year 13 (A2), one of which in each year is the speaking test.

At all levels pupils are encouraged to take advantage of a range of reading and listening materials – a regular subscription is made to Mary Glasgow Magazines which provides those who subscribe with a series of magazines and accompanying CDs on topics of current interest to young people in this country and countries where the target language is spoken. 

The Modern Languages department is located in two classrooms, each specializing in teaching of one of the languages. Each classroom is equipped with CD players and recording equipment to practise oral work, and there is a shared video facility. Each class regularly visits the ICT block for a range of activities, including word-processing to fine-tune  writing skills, language games from various software packages and research from the internet.

Advantage is taken of Yeovil's links with its twin towns for trips to France and Germany. Every two years, an exchange between The Park School and its partner school, the IGS Obere Aar in Taunusstein in Germany, takes place. Pupils in years 8 and above are welcome to participate. In the past the week spent in Germany has involved trips to Heidelberg, Cologne, The Rhine valley and Mainz, as well as experience of life in a German school and other outings around Taunusstein and activities arranged with one's hosts. Similarly, a party from Taunusstein spends a week in Yeovil every other year and their visit is a major highlight of the school's calendar. The Park School also takes part in a trip to Herblay, near Paris, also on a biennial basis, with the Yeovil Twinning Association. In the past a number of students have established excellent and long-lasting friendships with their exchange partners, maintained via e-mail and subsequent visits.

Mr.E.S.Winter, Head of Modern Languages