Languages
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A foreign language is part of the core curriculum for all pupils at Kingshill. In accordance with the National Curriculum, pupils study either French or German as their first language for the first 3 years and many take on a second language (either German or French) for years 8 and 9. The vast majority of pupils go on to follow GCSE courses in at least one language in years 10 & 11. At Kingshill pupils are taught in mixed ability groups for two terms in Year 7, but from Easter they are taught in ability sets.
Throughout the school, great emphasis is placed on the importance of speaking and understanding the foreign language, but a steadily increasing amount of written work is included for the more able pupils.
Pupils are encouraged to read foreign language magazines - at home (purchased via school) or in the school library - and to establish contacts with young French and German pupils through penfriend links. In Year 8, pupils are encouraged to take part in visits to both countries e.g. Northern France and the Rhineland in Germany. Kingshill also has links and exchanges with schools abroad for all pupils. The French school is the Collège Georges Brassens in Lattes near Montpellier in the Languedoc region of the south of France, while the German school is the Sophie-Scholl Gymnasium in Itzehoe in Schleswig - Holstein. Whether in France or Germany, pupils follow a programme of school-based activities and excursions within the area in which they are staying. Both have been highly successful for many years and clearly make an impact on confidence and comprehension, as well as on speaking French and German. We hear of many of these friendships continuing beyond the 6th Form.
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