Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

At BSB we believe that learning a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience which encourages students to embrace a global outlook on the world. Being able to speak a foreign language, our students are well equipped for careers with an international dimension. MFL enriches the curriculum by promoting initiative, confidence, creativity, intercultural sensitivity and independent learning. 

All students from Year 3 to Year 11 take a modern foreign language class in French, German or Spanish. These languages are also offered currently at IGCSE and will be introduced in September 2010 at AS and A2 level. 

Our approach to language teaching stresses the importance of communication in the language we prepare our students to be successful when using the foreign language in real life situations and when talking to native speakers. Since all MFL teachers are native speakers, the students get a large amount of authentic language input. Furthermore, regular visits from native speakers to language lessons give the students the chance to apply their skills first hand. 

When pupils start learning the foreign language of their choice in Year 3, the focus lies on listening and speaking, but they are gradually introduced to the written form of the language. Pupils join in a variety of learning activities that provide enjoyment and stimulation, such as games encouraging vocabulary retention, chanting rhyming words, singing songs, role plays, responding to simple stories. The methods used cater for all the learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic.

As they progress through Key Stage 2, pupils move from the single word level to the sentence level. They learn the core vocabulary to do with topics from their sphere of interest and are able to have conversations about them. 

In Secondary School, students are learning to manipulate the language and go beyond a mere imitation towards a more original use. Students learn through role plays simulating real life situations, research projects, presentations and interviews with native speakers. Cross curricular links with other subjects (History, Art, Geography, Music, Maths) reinforce the relevance of foreign languages. The focus lies on enabling students to take authorship of their own learning by developing independent learning skills and being aware of language learning strategies. 

Events outside the classroom highlight the intercultural dimension of language learning. Trips abroad (e.g. Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland) are organised every year and they are an opportunity to experience foreign languages in action. Language Day Celebrations occasioned by the European Day of Languages (26th September) raise awareness for linguistic diversity. BSB students are in contact and exchange letters with students from other European partner schools.

Useful websites for learning French

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