Communication - English and MFL

‘Go and open the door’, the opening line of a poem by Miroslav Holub, sums up our philosophy in Communications: imagination is the key and our understanding and use of language opens the door to our journey through life. 

The work of the Communications Faculty strives to develop and celebrate both functional and creative thinking and expression in both English and Modern Foreign Languages. All students study English, Literacy and Literature throughout their education at school, gradually building their skills and expertise in reading, writing, speaking and listening and exploring their own and other people’s experiences through the medium of language.  

Students start early in the Foundation Phase to gain an understanding of the importance of literacy in their lives and how valuable and enriching both reading and writing can be. They gain confidence and skill in communicating effectively with each other and with adults, building vocabulary and word power.  

Through the Development Phase students build on these basics to become creative readers and writers, attentive listeners and fluent and confident speakers, gradually learning more about literature and thought in their own and other cultures. Study during this phase encompasses all major literary forms, the novel, poetry, drama, as well as media and non-fiction writing.  

During the Extension Phase students study the subject to GCSE level, the majority of students gaining two GCSEs in English and Literature and some students also do a GCSE in Media Studies. English is also a popular option in the 6^th Form where students study further the work of major writers in English as well as developing their own expertise in writing at a more sophisticated level. 

English is taught by a dedicated team of specialists who bring their passions and enthusiasms to the classroom and beyond: theatre trips and workshops, poetry slams, visiting authors and poets, school magazine, creative writing workshops, journalism, film-making, debating and discussion, the Swindon Youth Festival of Literature, creative cross-curriculum collaboration with other subjects; all form a regular part of the English and Literacy calendar. 

In Modern Foreign Languages students have the opportunity to learn Spanish in the Foundation and Lower Development Phase, including a Spain Day during Term 6. Two Upper Sets then continue to build on their existing knowledge in Years 7, 8 and 9, with the option to continue to study Spanish to GCSE.  French is also available as a GCSE option.  Most students are involved in project work in Years 7, 8 and 9 with our partner school in Buenos Aires, Argentina: projects range from creating presentations to send to the partner school to emailing students of a similar age about a variety of topics to increase cultural awareness. This year students have entered GCSEs and AS Levels in Spanish, French and Polish, as we also encourage all EAL students to obtain qualifications in their native language. Students learn not only language skills but also about the culture of France and Spain through French Breakfasts, Tapas meals and visits to Europe: students have visited Paris in previous years and a small group of Extension Phase students will visit Barcelona in April 2010.