Curriculum overview

We offer French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Polish and Modern Greek.

At least one modern language is compulsory to GCSE and many boys take public examinations in two or more languages. French is taken by the vast majority of boys to GCSE, although a small number may opt to take Spanish as their core language instead.

The aim of the first year in French is to consolidate the grammar and vocabulary, covering material in greater depth and introducing topics and linguistic features which may not have been previously covered. Beginners’ French is also offered, for pupils who have not previously studied the language. The four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing will each be given attention, so that each can be strengthened, with a particular stress on vocabulary acquisition. If their linguistic skills are strong, Shells can also start either Spanish or German in addition to French, with a view to taking GCSE after three years.

GCSE: Depending on the ability of the boys in the top divisions, there may be an early French entry in the Remove year. In the Fifth Form, boys who have taken the early examination would then be offered the chance to complete a one-year course to GCSE in an additional language such as Italian or Russian. Continuation French is also offered, for boys who may later wish to further their study of French in the Sixth Form.

All Modern Language examinations follow the same pattern, with the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening all being tested as a terminal examination.

A-level: the principal languages taught to AS and A2-level are French, German, Spanish and Italian. The aim of the Sixth Form course in Modern Languages is to develop further the linguistic skills of comprehension and expression, both written and spoken, in order to be able to use the foreign language; and to extend further pupils' knowledge of the country, its way of life, its literature and general civilisation. Those interested in studying languages at Oxford or Cambridge would be well advised to take two modern languages.

The AS examination consists of an oral test based on discussion of a contemporary issue from the syllabus, chosen in advance by the candidate and of a written paper testing listening, reading and writing skills. Candidates must be able to understand and respond to target language stimuli in both spoken and written forms. They are also required to produce a longer piece of target language writing.The A2 oral examination tests pupils’ ability to engage in a debate about a chosen issue, in which they are required to adopt and defend a particular viewpoint. The written paper includes a prose translation, the production of a discursive essay in the target language and an essay based upon a literary text.

Japanese can be studied to Cambridge Certificate and beyond. Mandarin is taught to various levels from beginner upward, both on and off the timetable. Tuition in languages such as Russian, Polish, Arabic, Portuguese and Modern Greek can often be arranged outside the timetable, usually at extra cost.

Outside the classroom

The department believes firmly in the importance of promoting the culture of a country as well as and alongside the study of its language. To this end, the Modern Languages Society arranges cinema and theatre trips, film screenings, seasonal celebrations with traditional fare, trips to restaurants to sample traditional cuisine and visits by outside speakers.

There are also regular study visits and exchanges during the academic year. The French and Spanish departments organise homestay study visits to Montpellier, Jerez de la Frontera and Salamanca, while the German department organises an exchange with a partner school in Mainz.