Beaudesert has recently developed the French department into a Modern Languages department to include the teaching of Spanish, as well as French. This reflects the growing global importance and influence of Spanish in the 21st Century, whilst building on the unique relationship the UK has with France historically, geographically and socially. (Vive ‘L’Entente Cordiale’!) Our French Common Entrance results remain outstanding. Above all, modern languages here are experienced in an interactive, dynamic and enjoyable manner, with strong emphasis on speaking, whilst still practising the other three key skills (Listening, Reading and Writing) constantly.
Pupils start French even in the Pre-prep and continue right through to Year 8, with increasing regularity and the ultimate aim of sitting Common Entrance or Scholarships. All pupils also learn Spanish in Years 5 to 7. We aim to enthuse pupils and provide them with the confidence and vital skills to succeed further in these languages at GCSE, A Level, and beyond.
French maintains its traditional role as an intrinsic part of the curriculum which has direct relevance to the modern world, enhances coherent, effective communication and intelligent comprehension. Pupils follow the Salut! KS2 course in Years 3 & 4, then the Tricolore course in Years 5 & 6 and finally the Galore Park course in Years 7 & 8, all supplemented by considerable, up-to-date resources within the department, such as online vocabulary learning. Pupils in Years 5 & 6 have a single lesson of Spanish per week, increased to a double lesson in Year 7 (following CGP KS2 / 3 respectively) and we hope to extend this towards CE in future.
There is an excellent annual Yr 8 residential (4 / 5 days) trip to France every October (with a strong emphasis on History: Azincourt, WW1 sites etc as well as many cultural events).
