The Modern Languages Department

Grove School gained specialist Language college status in 2002 and now has the benefit of a large purpose-built suite of rooms which are the base for Grove International.  Most of these are equipped with interactive whiteboards and there is a dedicated ICT suite.  This has full access to the school network and the wide range of programs available generally, but also has specific software to enhance, enrich and support languages teaching. A dedicated small classroom for Sixth Form teaching has a small suite of computers and satellite television.

The large department is led by Miss E Morel.  Other full-time teachers are Miss K Martin, Mr C Pollard (responsibility for Spanish), Mrs C Bedford (who is an Assistant Head), Miss D Rafferty, Mr S Harrison, and Mrs C Knight, who is currently on maternity leave and replaced by Mrs H Furnival. 

The principal languages taught are French, Spanish and German.  Students start their lessons in one of these during Year 6 at their Primary Schools, where Grove School staff visit once a week for lessons.  They continue with one language in Year 7 then have the opportunity to add a second foreign language during Years 8 and 9.  The first language for students starting in 2010 was French and in 2011 it is German.

All students will continue with at least one language in KS4, with most taking a GCSE exam.  A second, or even third language is an option in Key stage 4 for all students.  The department offers students opportunities to sit exams in other languages and in the past qualifications have been gained in Urdu, Turkish and Italian.

In Grove College Spanish, French and German are available at Advanced level.

The Language College – Grove International – has its own site with details of courses, visits, exchanges and all the international activities that take place on a regular basis.  To see more, please follow the link. www.elsie-grove.org.uk