Modern Foreign Languages

The Modern Languages Faculty aims to enable our students to become proficient in the use of one or two languages. We Endeavour to encourage positive attitudes to learning a foreign language and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilizations. To achieve this, we believe it is essential to concentrate not only on linguistic competence but also on developing an understanding of the target culture.

Students start learning languages in the Junior School where we aim to set the foundations for their future language learning. They study French, German and Spanish on a termly rota and concentrate mainly on listening and speaking skills. In Year 6, students choose which two languages they will continue studying during Key Stage 3 and the four skills are developed equally.

At Bedford High School for Girls we recognise the importance of languages in  modern society and therefore all our students must study at least one language (many continue to study two) for their GCSE studies. Sixth Form linguists can further their language studies at Advanced Level (A/S and A2) or through the International Baccalaureate programme. German is also offered as Language A1 for those pupils whose mother tongue is German.

We believe that it is essential that students learning a foreign language experience the different countries lifestyle and therefore we encourage them to take part in the trips to France, Germany and Spain organised by the Faculty.

Our teaching is enhanced by a variety of techniques and the use of ICT resources. Our three native-speaker assistants contribute to the achievement of excellent levels of confidence and oral competence.