Languages
'Pupils enjoy their work and respond well to their teachers. They rise to the challenge of understanding and communicating in the foreign language, and show the ability to adapt what they have learned to express new ideas.' (ISI Inspection Report on Durham School 2003, §8.69)
Modern Languages at Durham School
The teaching of languages at Durham School dates back at least to the school's re-foundation in 1514 by Cardinal Langley, and beyond to the monastic school begun with the building of the Cathedral. While Latin was originally the focus of the early modern curriculum, French was slowly introduced and by the 19th century was offered at the additional cost of 4 guineas per annum. By the time Henry Holden came to be Headmaster of the School, modern languages were beginning to flourish and an increasing number of boys were studying French and German.
Mission Statement
Building on our history of teaching languages at Durham School, we hope to combine the best elements of the grammar-translation tradition with modern methodology to enable pupils to use the language accurately and effectively in everyday situations as well as to prepare pupils for university entrance.
We believe that:
- every pupil can benefit from immersion in a modern foreign language and its culture;
- every pupil can benefit from a knowledge of grammar;
- every pupil can achieve his potential in a positive learning environment;
- a stimulating and motivating environment, underpinned by a firm belief in mutual respect, benefits pupils and staff alike.
Curriculum
Years 7, 8 and 9
In Years 7 and 8 pupils receive six hours of French a fortnight in mixed-ability groups. On reaching Year 9, the pupils are set into one of four classes, the first of which also learns German and the second of which learns Spanish.
Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11 all pupils learn French at GCSE, while German and Spanish are offered as optional subjects. For all courses, the AQA specification is followed (www.aqa.org.uk) and at the end of the course pupils must sit examinations in each of the 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. All GCSE papers are sat at the end of Year 11 with all pupils sitting the writing paper (as opposed to coursework) as we believe this to be a better preparation for studying languages at A-level.
Years 12 and 13
At A level, the Edexcel specification is followed in both French and German. In the Lower Sixth (year 12), pupils complete modules 1 - 3 (listening and writing; reading and writing; and prepared oral topic). In the Upper Sixth (year 13) pupils are prepared for an interpreting examination (module 4), a literature paper (module 5) and a listening, reading and writing paper (paper 6).
In addition to this, the Department also offers GCSE Italian to members of the Sixth Form as an extra-curricular activity. Members of the Department also help deliver the General Studies course, in particular by preparing candidates for the A level languages paper.
Examinations
Examination details for all subjects taught by the Department are as follows:
|
Level |
Subject |
Course Code |
Examination Board |
|
GCSE |
|
A (3651) |
|
|
AS level |
French |
8190 |
|
|
A level |
|
9190 |
|
|
GCSE |
|
A (3661) |
|
|
AS level |
German |
8230 |
|
|
A level |
|
9230 |
|
|
GCSE |
|
A (3691) |
|
|
AS level |
Spanish |
8590 |
|
|
A level |
|
9590 |
Please note: The Department plans to offer Spanish as an AS option from September 2008; all three languages, French, German and Spanish, will follow the new Edexcel specifications.
Activities
In order to enrich the academic work, the Department attempts to provide as many insights as possible into the culture of the target language countries. This has taken the form of foreign language films, un petit-déjeuner français, Kaffee und Kuchen, as well as sixth-form lectures and visits abroad.
The department runs regular educational trips to Northern France for Year 9 pupils in the Summer Term. A recent trip included visits to Vimy Ridge and Flanders to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. In the Easter holiday 2006 there was also a very successful trip to Berlin for pupils studying German in Years 10 and 12.
Members of the Department
M. P. Alderson, B.A. (Hons) Dunelm, M.A. (Dunelm)
Head of Department and Housemaster in The School House
Dr J. M. Burns, B.A. (Hons) Dunelm, Ph.D. (Dunelm)
Teacher of French and Spanish, and Housemistress in Pimlico House
Mrs C. L. Eccleston, B.A. (Hons) Sunderland
Teacher of French and Spanish, and tutor in Pimlico House
c.eccleston@durhamschool.co.uk
Miss L. J. Hinde, M.A. (Cantab.)
Teacher of French, and tutor in Pimlico
Mrs F. M. Parker, B.Ed. (Oxon.)
Teacher of French and Italian, and Deputy Headmistress (Pastoral)
Mrs K. L. Wilkinson, B.A. (Hons) Dunelm
Assistant Head of French and tutor in MacLeod House
k.wilkinson@durhamschool.co.uk
Mme Cécile Comptour
French Assistante
Mag. Ulrike Gruböck (
German Assistentin
next event
Senior School Play: A Revue
Saturday, 22 November 2008
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Buongiorno and Hola!!
Year 5 pupils at Shincliffe Primary enjoy first taste of Italian and Spanish
Read more recent news.
photo gallery
See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.
Testimonials
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