All pupils at Hall Mead study a foreign language from Years 7 to 11.  The school offers both French and German as first foreign languages, and we are currently working with a number of feeder primary schools to ensure successful transition.  Some students will also have the opportunity to study Spanish in Key Stage 4, and beginners’ Latin is offered as an after school club.

In Years 7 to 9 we aim to develop pupils’ abilities in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, in a dynamic and interactive learning environment and making full use of our ICT resources and excellent range of coursebooks.  As well as giving pupils a solid grounding for the GCSE courses, this also enables us to develop their confidence, and enjoyment of foreign language learning.

At the end of Year 7 pupils who have shown considerable linguistic ability will be offered the opportunity to enter a Fast Track GCSE French or German group.  They will achieve the GCSE qualification at the end of Year 9, and will then go on to follow the Spanish GCSE course for Years 10 and 11.  We are one of a few specialist schools to offer this unique opportunity to able linguists and we are very proud of our pupils’ achievements to date.  The majority of pupils will continue with their first language at GCSE level in Years 10 and 11.

It is the Faculty’s goal to promote interest in other languages and cultures in pupils of all abilities.  Our exciting and stimulating lessons are complemented by a well established programme of study trips and exchanges, which we are currently seeking to expand even further.  Pupils leaving school with a qualification in a Modern Foreign Language have a real advantage in an increasingly competitive employment market.  We are proud to offer these distinct opportunities to pupils at Hall Mead.

School trip Photos - click here