Bienvenido! Bienvenue! Welcome to the Modern Languages department at Bridgewater School. In an ever-changing world, it is of vital importance that our young people are equipped with the tools to cope and excel in their chosen journey. The study of Modern Foreign Languages at Bridgewater School therefore focuses on the practical study of language, skills and culture, with specialist teaching for all students from the Prep Department through to Sixth Form.
In Year 7 to 9, students will study both Spanish and French for three hours per fortnight and then continue with one or both languages at AQA GCSE level for five hours per fortnight, as part of their options choices. Our courses are contemporary, vibrant and engaging, and students are able to use a variety of modern technology to practise their skills in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
We have most recently moved to using digital books via a Virtual Learning Platform, providing students with on-demand listening material and interactive activities to practise the work covered in lessons. To complement the courses, we subscribe to a variety of interactive software packages, enabling students to build their confidence and, most importantly, enjoy their learning independently and with their peers and family.
Modern Foreign Languages at GCSE
We follow the AQA GCSE syllabus for both French and Spanish, covering such topics as ‘people & lifestyle’, ‘popular culture’ and ‘communication & the world around us’. Throughout the course we aim to further develop the four skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The principle objective is to enable students of all abilities to develop their MFL skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge to communicate in a variety of contexts with confidence.
All students are highly advised to study a foreign language. If a student wishes to study two, they will need to be selected as two option choices. Anyone intending to specialise in languages post-16 is strongly advised to study both French and Spanish at GCSE, although this is not essential.
Download GCSE French information sheet>
Download GCSE Spanish information sheet>
Beyond the classroom
The department runs an extremely popular annual trip to France and Belgium, has led a residential in Barcelona and we have various links with schools in Spain; two of which have led to successful Spanish exchange visits with secondary schools in Madrid and Zaragoza.
