Neatherd Modern Languages Department

We became a Language College in 2002 and as such we offer French to all pupils in Year 7 and we also run Fast Track GCSE classes, which give pupils the opportunity to take their GCSE at the end of Year 9 and their AS French in Year 11. 50% of pupils are offered a choice of a second language in Key Stage 4. We received our re-designation as a Language College in 2007. We lead the French teaching to Year 6 in our feeder Primary schools and we are pleased to be the regional venue for Adult Education Language Courses. We are at the forefront of teaching and learning in MFL and have worked closely with CILT and the DFES on various national initiatives. In 2005 we were awarded the International School Award in recognition of our International ethos and in 2006 we featured in the Dearing Languages Review and Consultation Report as an example of good practice in Language teaching.

 

The Department

 

We are an enthusiastic and dedicated department and work hard to ensure that learning a language is a positive experience for all pupils. We are forward thinking, supportive and committed to sharing ideas and resources. There are currently 8 full time and two part-time members of staff and two Foreign Language Assistants:

Miss S. French – Assistant Head Teacher i/c Language College (French)

Mrs S Walker – Head of Department (French and Spanish)

Miss J Baldwin – 2nd in Department (French and German)

Mr J. Mallett - Sixth Form Coordinator (French and Italian)

Mrs K Keeling – Primary School Coordinator (French, German)

Miss L Carey (Spanish and French)Mr N O’Brien (French)

Mrs D Shaw (French)Mrs N Neigbour (French, Italian and German)

Anne Schmitt (French Language Assistant)

Marion Broughton (German Language Assistant)

 

Teaching

 

Learning a language should be enjoyable so we use a variety of teaching methods to encourage every pupil to take an active part in lessons. Pupils in each year are taught in ability groups which ensure that all needs are catered for. Schemes of work are up-to date and comprehensive assessments are in place for all classes and all year groups. Pupils' work is displayed in classrooms and corridors and on our website. (which we are currently updating)Our latest OFSTED report highlighted "positive approaches to languages from both boys and girls" and described pupils’ attitudes to learning as "excellent".

 

Resources

Pupils in Years 9 and 10 have the opportunity to participate in trips and exchanges and many friendships are formed which last long after pupils return home. In Year 7, during Curriculum Enhancement Week, pupils have the chance to visit the Loire valley or Normandy for a week. Those who are unable to visit France follow a program of multi cultural activities in school.We have organised trips to Germany, Spain and France for a variety of pupils of all abilities and these are very popular and highly successful.At the Sixth Form, We run a successful A level trip to Paris and have organised work experience for pupils abroad. We also run immersion courses in a variety of languages and once a term show a variety of foreign films.

The French exchange in the Puy de Dome Pupils making Japanese paintings during multicultural week

Pupils visiting Parc Guell in Barcelona This is just a snapshot of the work that we do. Neatherd is an exciting place to work for a language teacher as we have everything in place to enable staff to concentrate on their lesson planning and the department is very well resourced and organised. As a Language College, we are involved in a variety of outreach work within the community. We welcome visitors to our school on a regular basis, have links with schools in China, Germany and France and are looking to expand this to other countries with all departments involved.

 

Recent comments from our visitor’s book:

 

“An interesting and inspirational visit. Loads of ideas to take back to my school. Thank you.” “Thank you very much for a great day and a wonderful experience. We have been extremely impressed with the set up here!! What are your consultancy fees?” “The day was really inspirational, useful and informative. What a great department! I now have lots of ideas for sharpening our departmental policies in the light of your experience and seeing the work you have done put into practice in the classroom.” “The best, most useful day I’ve ever spent out of school! All the vision I had for an MFL department put into practice. Thank you!” Please feel free to visit our school and we look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sara French November 2007