We not only aim to teach the language but also to give the pupils an appreciation and understanding of life in countries where the language is spoken

In the Modern Languages department we offer both French in all years and Spanish from Year 8. Equal emphasis is placed on the four key skills of 'Listening' and 'Speaking', 'Reading' and 'Writing', and during lessons pupils are encouraged to converse in French and Spanish both accurately and with confidence.

The department here at St Joseph's houses an interactive whiteboard and a language laboratory in addition to satellite television and a private study room equipped with computers. The department organises a range of exciting activities beyond the confines of the classroom, including trips to the cinema, lectures and day conferences. We also organise study visits to France and Spain, where pupils gain a great deal from both language-based and cultural activities.

In French, Years 7 to 9 follow the Encore Tricolore programme of study. In Spanish, Years 7 to 9 follow mainly the ¡Listos! programmes of study.

Both French and Spanish use the GCSE OCR syllabus. The Scheme of assessment consists of 2 tiers: Foundation & Higher. Foundation Tier assesses Grades C - G and Higher Tier assesses up to Grade A*.

At A level we use the OCR syllabus. The pupils cover topics such as The Youth of Today, Education, Health Issues, Sports and Travel. We also have French and Spanish assistants who work with small groups at GCSE and individually or in pairs at AS and A2 level.