Francis Holland School Introduction

Introduction

From Charlemagne who said 'To have a different language is to possess a second soul’ to Federico Fellini who saw ‘A different language as a different vision of life’, it is not hard to find quotations from famous people celebrating the learning of languages.

We feel that studying a new language offers variety and challenge, develops skills and facilitates understanding of other cultures and societies.

All our pupils study French from Year 7 to GCSE in Year 11. In Year 9 they all choose a second language, either Spanish or German which they can, if they wish, take up to GCSE. The majority of our girls do so and often continue with their studies to A level and beyond.

Girls are given the opportunity to direct their own learning as they often work in groups or pairs and they are always taught in an atmosphere of mutual respect where they can experience success and enjoyment in their work, irrespective of difference in academic ability.

The girls at Francis Holland School are always extremely enthusiastic and confident and as the same emphasis is placed on the different skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing our examination results are invariably amongst the very best in the school.

Staff

The MFL teachers are a very close team of experienced and dedicated professionals who are generous with their time and passionate about making each girl fulfil her potential. We feel that we achieve an exceptionally positive attitude towards languages. Girls not only gain excellent examination results but also use their language skills abroad with great enthusiasm.

Resources

Most of our classrooms are equipped with the latest computer equipment, including interactive whiteboards, which enhance and support a more traditional approach to teaching and learning and allows us to dispense with a more cumbersome language laboratory.

The library has a well stocked dedicated area and a large selection of magazines, newspapers, novels, reference books as well as DVDs, is available for our pupils to consult or borrow for enjoyment or study. Discovering the wider context in which a language is used is very much part of the syllabus and contributes to the independent study skills that help our students to achieve their linguistic potential.