Important News

Languages

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“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
                                                                                                           Nelson Mandela

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

The joy of people is in the communication and languages provide windows onto the world. Knowing another language, allows you to discover places, cultures and get to know people in a way you would not have done before. Languages can truly enrich your life on a personal as well as on a business level. 

" I realise that knowing languages encourages trust between myself and others and it also breaks down many communication barriers. Being able to speak foreign languages are essential in the world of business and I realise that it will help me immensely in the future."                                                                                     Cheneil, Year 10
Businesses really value languages. If you’re selling to customers, you’ve got to speak their language and with only 6 per cent of the world who speak English as a first language and with 75 per cent of the world not speaking any English at all; having another language under your belt is a definite plus! Languages also tell employers you’re open-minded and adaptable, in addition to being useful for communicating with non English speaking clients and business partners.   

Languages don’t just have to lead to careers in translating, and you don’t have to be fluent but just give it a go! Even a “hello” or a “thank you” in another language will go a long way. It shows you’re interested and willing to learn. Languages can work alongside any career from banking to scientific research.

" I love learning languages as it is challenging, yet interactive and fun.  A language opens up a thousand doors to the world and is useful now and in the future."

At Carshalton High School For Girls, students are encouraged to use target language in the classroom and we strive to ensure that the language learning experience is a fun one for all our students. We are a dynamic, forward thinking department which achieves excellent French and German results at GCSE. We have developed language learning opportunities by introducing Spanish into the school and by introducing French and Spanish GCSEs and A levels in all three languages in the 6th Form. We also support students who wish to take qualifications in their home languages too. In addition, we encourage older students to share their passion for learning languages with younger students and in primary schools through the introduction of the Foreign Language Leader Award in the 6th Form.   We are also one of the only schools in the area to offer British Airways Flag Award in French, German and Spanish for years 9 and 10.  An award based on the internal flag tests developed for BA employees.

What we offer:

BA Flag Award in French, German and Spanish

GCSE French, German and Spanish

In the Sixth Form

GCSE French and Spanish from scratch

Foreign Language Leader Award in any language

AS/A2 Level French, German and Spanish

Home language early entries are encouraged at Carshalton High School for Girls. During 2012-2013 approximately 60 students will sit an examination in their home language, gaining an impressive number of GCSE and Advanced Level grades.

A student is deemed to be a 'home language speaker' if the language is spoken at home and the student has constant access to support for all language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing.  An early language GCSE or Advanced entry can give a student confidence and motivation in their approach to study in other curriculum subjects as well as providing opportunity for more advanced future language study.  Students' UCAS applications are considerably strengthened by extra points.
  
French, Spanish and German can be assessed by our own staff at Carshalton High School for Girls and a decision is made quickly as to the suitability of early entry.  Other languages are assessed by our partner examiners.

Department Staff

Faculty Leader
Ms H Stebbings
Deputy Faculty Leader
Mr J Castro
Teacher of MFL
Miss M Abdou
Teacher of MFL
Miss N Fitzgerald

 

 

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