Modern Languages Department

The Modern Languages Department is one of the largest and most successful departments at RBAI. French, German and Spanish are all taught from beginners to A2 level. All pupils must study ONE of French, German or Spanish to GCSE. French is introduced in Year 8 and German and Spanish in Year 9. There are currently five French classes at GCSE, and two each in German and Spanish. At A Level, French remains the most popular language. There are two classes in French at AS and A2 Levels, and one each in German and Spanish. The CCEA specifications are followed at both GCSE and A Level in all three languages, except German, where we use AQA at GCSE Level.

There are currently seven full-time members of the Department and two others who teach part-time. In addition, three native speakers assist with A Level conversation classes in French, German and Spanish. In recent years we have shared the German assistant with Rathmore Grammar School and the Belfast Metropolitan College. There are eight classrooms situated in two corridors, one above the other. All rooms are currently equipped with Interactive Whiteboards and audio equipment, including CD player and cassette recorder. A Departmental Resources Room is located on the upper corridor and some teaching is also carried out in the new Q block.

There is a long-standing German Exchange programme with a Gymnasium in Stadthagen, which we share with Victoria College. In the past Year 8 French trips were organised in conjunction with Dominican College and St Dominic’s High School. We have run a trip to Paris for a number of years with the Art Department and are planning a joint History and German trip to Berlin for 2009. Recent trips include one to Berlin in 2007 for Years 10 and 11 and a trip to Munich in 2008 for Years 10, 11 and 12. We are currently investigating links with schools in Argentina, France, Austria, and Poland. An International Society encourages an interest in other cultures and languages and a Film Society shows a range of films from French, German and Spanish sources.

MFL Staff 2008-09

Room              Staff                                        Subjects

G2                               Mrs McGonigle                      French/Spanish

G3                               Mrs Matchett                        French/German

G4                               Dr Cotter [HoD]                    French/German

G5                               Mrs Tomb                               French/Spanish

G6                               Miss Cosgrove                      French

G7                               Mr Rolandeau                        French/Spanish

G8                               Mr Wilson                               French/Spanish

G10                             Mr Madill                                French/German

Q3                               Mrs Stevenson                     German

Organization

• All pupils start French in Year 8 in mixed ability House groups

• On the basis of Year 8 results in French and Latin, pupils are streamed for Year 9: 3 groups from Dill, Jones and Kelvin [X1, X2, X3] 3 groups from Larmor, Pirrie, Stevenson [Y1, Y2, Y3]

• On the basis of Year 9 results in French, Latin and English, pupils are streamed for Year 10 3 groups from Dill, Jones and Kelvin [X1, X2, X3] 3 groups from Larmor, Pirrie, Stevenson [Y1, Y2, Y3]. In addition to French pupils may opt to study either German or Spanish at this stage within an Options block

• On the basis of Year 10 results in French pupils are streamed for Year 11 and Year 12 [with some adjustment at start of Year 12]. Pupils can choose to study one or two of French, German or Spanish for GCSE.

• Pupils can choose to study one or two languages for AS level: French or German/French or Spanish

• Pupils decide if they wish to continue to A2 level