The school’s rationale is clear and aims to equip all pupils with a basic knowledge and understanding of the two main language systems of Europe: the Romance languages of the south (Spanish and/or French) and a Germanic language of the north (German).To that end, all pupils study French in Year 7, to which German is added in Year 8.

In Year 9, Spanish is also offered and pupils choose any two of the three languages.

The aim of the courses is to teach basic vocabulary and grammar and to enable pupils to speak and write with confidence, within the limits of the language taught. We aim to inspire an interest in both the language and the culture of each country through the use of songs, magazines, DVDs, the internet, cookery and the language assistants who enable pupils to engage with real native speakers.

Topics for all languages include: self, family, hobbies, home, school and food.

End of year examinations test the four language skills; listening, reading, writing and speaking.

We aim for GCSE language-learning at Monmouth School for Girls to be linguistically enriching and highly motivating.

All pupils will do one MFL and a good number (30% in 2013) will do two. Occasionally, some pupils opt to do all three languages for GCSE. The course in each language builds on the solid foundations built at Key Stage 3. The department delivers the WJEC specification and approaches study via four contexts: personal and social life; local community; the world of work; the wider world.

The four language skills are examined – listening, speaking, reading and writing. Listening and reading skills are tested at the end of Year 11. Controlled assessments in speaking and writing are conducted throughout the two year course, the candidates’ best two contributing towards the final examination mark.

Pupils are encouraged to extend their learning via literature, film-study, additional grammar study and regular listening to materials in the target language. Those pupils requiring consolidation are invited to attend lunchtime clubs.

The study of languages at A level is a stimulating and challenging opportunity and combines well with any other subject in either the arts or sciences.

Pupils can study French, German and Spanish at A level. Russian is also offered; lessons for this take place at Monmouth School for Boys.

Girls are expected to achieve good grades at GCSE in their chosen language prior to the start of the course. They are encouraged to read French, German or Spanish newspapers and magazines, attend lectures, the theatre or cinema and trips abroad to enhance their competency and understanding of the culture of their chosen language.

Candidates study the following topics:

Year 12: Leisure and lifestyles and the individual and society

Year 13: Environmental issues and social and political issues. Pupils also study a literary text and either a film or another text.

All pupils attend conversation classes with a native speaker to develop confidence and fluency. Each examination consists of two papers; one oral and one reading, writing and listening paper. There is no coursework element.

More information about French at A level
More information about German at A level
More information about Spanish at A level
More information about Russian at A level

From performing Romeo and Juliet in French to organising immersive foreign language trips each year, Monmouth School for Girls’ MFL department is constantly exploring new ways of making languages more exciting.

A cross-curricular approach always brings the language to life. Our girls have performed in an original show, Vorsprung durch Dance, created as a joint project between the MFL and Dance departments.

As well as taking part in our well-established Nuremburg exchange, which takes place in the October half-term, German students have the opportunity to visit Berlin with the History department.

Sixth Form pupils from Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools have been able to complete an invaluable week of work experience in Koblenz, working for a diverse variety of employers.

The three day Christmas market visit to Aachen and Cologne for pupils in Year 9 is always a popular option in early December.

In previous years, trips to Vienna, Normandy, and Barcelona, together with the Koblenz work experience, allow girls to immerse themselves in the tastes, sights and sounds of different cultures. Combining sport with languages, the rowing club goes to the Spanish city of Seville for the Easter training camp.

Post COVID-19, we hope to return to our previous programme of overseas trips.

In school, there are extension classes available in each language for pupils who would like to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the language.

Girls studying GCSEs and A levels in each language are welcome to attend lunchtime sessions for extra help. An individual or small-group approach often makes a significant difference in consolidating pupils’ understanding and confidence.

Inter-school debates in the target language are becoming increasingly popular. Senior school pupils enjoy the challenge of discussing a wide variety of topics, including the benefits and negative sides to television or the future of nuclear energy.

At Monmouth School for Girls, we take great joy in celebrating the annual European Day of Languages in September. A variety of activities take place, including poetry-writing, cookery classes, ice-cream tasting and an international-themed lunch for the entire school in the dining hall.