Who we are

Ms S. McGregor (Head of Department)
Ms K. Das
Ms C. Luino
Ms S. Shanti Tamby
Mr T. Izzett

What we do

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Pupils learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.

Learning languages gives pupils opportunities to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity. They explore the similarities and differences between other languages and English and learn how language can be manipulated and applied in different ways. The development of communication skills, together with understanding of the structure of language, lay the foundations for future study of other languages and support the development of literacy skills in a pupil’s own language.

How we do it

GCSE Bengali

Course Description:

This course promotes the development of different language skills and provides opportunities
to apply these across a range of relevant contexts broadly based on four theme areas:

• My world
• Holiday time and travel  
• Work and lifestyle 
• The young person in society

What will I study?

• An understanding of the spoken and written forms of Bengali
• The ability to communicate effectively in Bengali
• The knowledge and understanding of Bengali grammar
• The knowledge and understanding of countries and communities.

How will the course be assessed?

GCSE examination:  4 papers:

• Listening Paper 1     (Foundation or Higher)     25%
• Speaking Paper 2     (Foundation or Higher)     25%
• Reading Paper 3      (Foundation or Higher)     25% 
• Writing Paper 4        (Foundation or Higher)     25%
 
How will I know if this course will suit me?

• Do you enjoy meeting people?
• Do you enjoy travelling?
• Would you like to know more about Bengali language & culture?
• Are you interested in trying new experiences?
 
What can I do at the end of the course?

• Be able to study in AS & A2 level
• Be able to travel to the target language speaking countries  
• Be able to effectively communicate with target language speaker 
 
What visits and Work Related Learning Opportunities will there be?

• Working with the Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets & beyond
• Interpreting, translating & communicating in a work place
 
How can I find out more?

Look at job advertisements; speak to people, read articles about careers you are
interested in.  Would offering Bengali language be useful?
 
Which teacher should I contact for more details?

Speak to your language teacher.

French GCSE

This course promotes the development of different language skills and provides opportunities to apply these across a range of relevant contexts.

Broadly based on four theme areas:

• My world
• Holiday time and travel  
• Work and lifestyle 
• The young person in society

What will I study?

• An understanding of the spoken and written forms of French
• The ability to communicate effectively in French
• A basic knowledge and understanding of French grammar
• The knowledge and understanding of countries where French is spoken.

How will the course be assessed?

GCSE examination:  4 papers:

• Listening Paper 1     (Foundation or Higher)     25%
• Speaking Paper 2     (Foundation or Higher)     25%
• Reading Paper 3      (Foundation or Higher)     25% 
• Writing Paper 4        (Foundation or Higher)     25%

What skills will I develop?

• Do you enjoy meeting people?
• Do you enjoy travelling?
• Would you like to know more about French language & culture?
• Do you want to earn more just because you speak an additional European language?
• Are you interested in trying new experiences?

How will I know if this course will suit me?

If you enjoy:

• the challenge of  trying out your French in lessons
• teamwork and pair work
• learning  new songs
• being able to understand a new language

What can I do at the end of the course?

• Be able to study in AS & A2 level
• Be able to travel to France, Belgium, and other countries, particularly in Africa, where French is spoken.
• Be able to effectively communicate with French speakers

What visits and Work Related Learning Opportunities will there be?

Extended visit to France in Year 10
Interpreting, translating & communicating in a work place

How can I find out more?

• Look at job advertisements; speak to people, read articles about careers you are interested in.  
• Would offering French language be useful?

Which teacher should I contact for more details?

Speak to your language teacher