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MODERN LANGUAGES AT PRINCE HENRY’S

Modern Foreign Languages enjoy a special place at the heart of the curriculum at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, which was awarded Language College status with effect from September 1999 and subsequently re-designated as a Phase 2 Language College in 2003. The department has embraced the many challenges and ambitious targets for development which Language College status supposes.

Specialist School status has clearly also provided exciting new opportunities for the department to extend the language learning experiences of students and the wider community. These have included:

Curricular developments

  • Introduction of Spanish, Italian and Mandarin Chinese

  • Introduction of Global Citizenship and European Awareness

  • Increased use of ICT to support language learning

  • Introduction of fast-track GCSE groups in Years 9 and 10

  • Introduction of alternative forms of accreditation

  • Introduction of a second language for all from Years 8 – 11

  • Introduction of language “survival” courses for all Year 12 students

  • Increased opportunities for foreign visits, including an immersion course in China in addition to five annual visits to France, Spain and Germany

  • After school Chinese classes for students and teachers

  • Annual international day

  • Growing international ethos throughout the whole school, with many global curricular links

Community developments

  • Weekly Spanish lessons for Year 6 students in seven feeder primary schools, delivered by departmental staff

  • Partnership with an inner-city school

  • Collaboration with Education Leeds in the provision of INSET courses for MFL teachers from across the city

  • Creation of the Leeds Community Mandarin Chinese Saturday School for children of the local Chinese community

  • Over twenty evening language courses offered as part of our Community Education Programme

  • Language courses for local businesses

The school now enjoys a national reputation for its work in this area. Indeed, our staff are frequently asked to share good practice at regional and national Language College events.