• Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future

Modern Foreign Languages

French Exchange Trip May 2011

Downend students have been featured in a French newspaper about their recent visit to France.

click here to view the article on the newspaper's website
(Downend school not responsible for the content of external websites)

Learning another language is an adventure; it's fun, unusual, challenging and enjoyable. It also provides students with a unique insight into another culture. The ability to speak another language is a vital skill in today's world - particularly in the professional world - and language-learning at Downend allows students of all ages to develop their linguistic skills. Many students may already have learned some French at their primary schools, and we aim to build on this knowledge to enable all to become magnifique!

MFL


The languages we teach are French and German. Our philosophy is to help students develop their use of these languages for practical purposes and to help them develop a love of the language, culture and of language learning in general. We believe in an oral approach, supported by careful study and practice of grammar and vocabulary. We aim to develop the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing through a wide range of activities including: class oral work, pair work, group work, acting out dialogues, vocabulary learning, oral and written grammar drills, listening to and watching recorded material, songs, playing language games, and using interactive computer resources, memorising talks and writing compositions.

In the Modern Foreign Languages Department we use a wide range of resources including interactive websites, in-house worksheets, flashcards, and the interactive whiteboard. We have an extremely successful exchange programme with our partner schools in France and Germany; vVisits and exchange trips form a vital part of ourlearning approach. In KS3 there are trips to France in the summer for Year 7 and a trip to the German Market in Aachen for Year 8. In recent years there have been trips to Berlin with the History Department for Year 12 and 13.

The outlook is very positive indeed for students who learn modern foreign languages. Employment rates after language degrees are amongst the very highest; employers particularly welcome graduates with good communication skills who can offer one or more foreign languages in an increasingly competitve jobs market.

Languages graduates may get involved in education or translating/interpreting, but it is much more likely that they would work in commerce or industry using languages as an extra skill.

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