French and Spanish sit within the Languages Department. The Language Department intends to provide all students with a linguistic, creative and cultural language experience in all three languages (Latin, Spanish and French). We demonstrate how, in a globalised world, the linguistic skills they develop in language learning are essential for future employment, and we guide them in an appreciation of cultural pluralism and an understanding of other cultures. 

The department is made up of enthusiastic and committed team of modern and ancient linguists who want their students to progress in all skill areas (listening, reading, speaking, translation and writing) through a series of interactive and engaging lessons and experiences. There is a positive learning environment in our classes, whereby students willingly step out of their comfort zone and actively take part in lessons. 

Co-Curricular Enrichment 

• Trip to France or Spain (Year 10) 
• BHS European Languages Day 
• Language drop-in sessions 
• Lunchtime Culture Club 

KS3 (Year 7 – 9) 

Students have three hours a week of language lessons in Year 7, one hour each of French, Spanish and Latin. In Year 8 and Year 9 students continue with two of these languages, with two hours of lessons per week for each language. 

Year 7 - 8: Students develop their Spanish and/or French language learning via a wide variety of teaching techniques.  Regular group work and carefully selected materials ensure that language learning is stimulating and challenging.  Students enjoy regular access to the Digital Language Lab and are encouraged to use their languages creatively and develop independent learning skills.  Students are also encouraged to develop cultural knowledge of the countries where the languages and reflect on their own lifestyle.   

Year 9: Students develop greater independence and are encouraged to give and justify opinions and make links with other subjects.  They become confident at using a wide range of tenses and vocabulary and develop the skills needed to succeed at GCSE and become confident language learners. 

GCSE (Year 10 – 11) 

Students have regular contact with our FLAs (Foreign Language Assistants) to develop their speaking skills and prepare them for the oral part of the GCSE exam. The AQA textbook is used in lessons and each student is allocated a unique password to access the interactive online material accompanying the book.  Students access Pearson Active Learn (AQA resource website) to complete homework tasks. 

Students visit Spain and France and further develop their linguistic ability and cultural knowledge.  They stay with families in small groups and attend a language school as well as taking part in cultural activities. For more information on the GCSE courses, download our GCSE Options Guide below. 

A-Level (Year 12 – 13) 

French 

Students study various topics throughout the two years covering aspects of French-speaking society, the current trends in Francophone countries, aspects of French-speaking society, artistic culture in the French-speaking world and aspects of political life in the French-speaking world. 

Students focus on grammar and literary texts; one book and one film are selected from the specification and are studied as a class. 

Spanish 

Linguistic skills are developed alongside an understanding of the culture and society of the countries where Spanish is spoken.  Students study technological and social change, looking at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society. They study highlights of Hispanic artistic culture, including a focus on Spanish regional identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations. They also learn about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the Hispanic world and explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities. Students study texts and film and will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice. 

For more information on the A-Level French and Spanish course grade requirements, download a copy of the Sixth Form Prospectus below.  For more information on course content, download a copy of the A-Level Options Guide below.