Modern Languages

Aims and philosophy

French is compulsory to GCSE except for a small number who have not studied French before coming to Harrow. 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. 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. Shells can also start either Spanish or German, with a view to taking GCSE after three years, if their linguistic skills are strong.

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 go on to study French to a more advanced stage, or take Italian to GCSE in one year, with the possibility of further study to AS and A-levels.

All Modern Language examinations follow the same pattern. The four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening are tested and given the same weighting within the final examination. The oral examination consists of rôle plays, narration, discussion of a prepared topic of the candidate's choice and discussion of other topics, such as home, holidays, career plans, interests etc.

A-level: the principal languages taught 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 A-level examination contains a variety of linguistic exercises, including essays, comprehensions, translations, an oral test, demanding an ability to sustain discussion and argument, and a course of literary study, with examination answers written in the target language. Literature work involves the study of at least two prescribed texts: these may range from 17th and 18th century works to modern plays and novels.

Japanese can be studied to Cambridge Certificate and beyond. Mandarin is taught to various levels.

Special arrangements are often made for native speakers of the main languages, should the need arise; Portuguese and Russian may also be made available to the latter.

Outside the classroom

It is normally expected that boys will have made at least one prolonged stay with a French, German or Spanish family during the School holidays. We also operate a brief term-time exchange with a German school, the Theresianum in Mainz, for boys in the Lower Sixth, and a similar arrangement exists with a French school in Douai (the London Borough of Harrow's twin town).

At Easter we take study trips to Salamanca for the Sixth Form Hispanists and to Jerez for the Fifth Form. The department organises a German exchange to Mainz every year.

Popular social activities include cinema and theatre trips, an Italian Christmas celebration, an Italian cookery class and a celebration of the Chinese New Year with traditional fare.