At the QEMS, we believe that languages have a vital role to play in our students’ futures. Foreign Languages are an investment that can enrich a student's life socially, culturally and economically. We endeavour to ensure that all students are fully equipped with language skills to provide greater career opportunities.

All Year 7 students learn French and German is currently offered to some Year 8 and 9 students. At Key Stage 4, students can choose to take both French and German GCSE. We also currently offer French and German at AS and A2 level. 

Extra Curricular Activities in the Modern Foreign Languages Department

Latin

Whilst all students study at least one modern language at QEMS, since 2007 the MFL department has offered the opportunity to learn a very ancient one too! We offer students who are identified as Gifted and Talented in Languages, History, RE and other combinations of subjects the chance to study Latin. However, the course is open to any student with an interest in languages, Ancient History, RE, Geography and literature.

The first part of the course is set in Pompeii. Students study the basics of the Latin language through Roman stories written in Latin and by learning about grammar. We also look at aspects of Roman life, including life in the home, school, elections, Gladiatorial shows and entertainment, and finally the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79.

The second part of the course is set in Roman Britain and builds upon language learned in the first part of the course. There is the opportunity to progress to a higher level in the subject.

So far one cohort of students has completed the first part of the course, with a 100% pass rate. All students who pass the course receive a certificate and are given the option to continue. Our second cohort is due to take the test this year.

Learning Latin gives you an insight into the language and culture that came before our own. It helps us to consider different subjects in a different light. Did you know that 70% of all words in English, Spanish and French come from Latin? Far from being a "dead" language and culture, Latin helps us to understand the language we speak and the culture we live in today.

We regularly take trips abroad at the end of the Summer Term. The most recent trip we took was to Normandy and due to its success we are repeating the trip in July 2010. This year we are combining with the History Department and adopting a cross-curricular approach to our visit. The trip offers pupils the opportunity to practise, reinforce and develop their linguistic skills while at the same time providing pupils with an insight into certain aspects of French history, life and culture. During our stay in Normandy, pupils will get a taste of French history dating as far back as the 11^th Century to the time of William the Conqueror and the famous Bayeux Tapestry. In addition we will visit the famous beaches and towns where the Allies fought the key battles that paved the way for victory in World War Two. Also, due to popular demand, on the last day of our trip we will be visiting Disneyland Paris.

Year 7 Play

In October 2009, Year 7 pupils had the treat of watching a visiting French actor perform his play “Le Bistro de Dan Roro”. Year 7 pupils took part in a series of activities with members of the Languages Department, before watching the performance in the hall. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.