Curriculum

In Year 7, students study French with most of the year group.  In Year 8, more able linguists are offered German as a second modern foreign language. There is a large emphasis on the use of target language in all lessons and students are encouraged to speak in the target language as much as possible. A detailed programme of lessons and assessments is in place and parents will be able to access it via the VLE. Students are assessed quarterly so that they are fully informed of their progression.

Students start their GCSE course in their chosen language(s) at the start of Year 9. This is to prepare students to obtain the best possible results at GCSE. At least 85% of students take at least one language at GCSE, as languages are well respected by universities as a facilitating subject, whatever subject students aim to study.

Students are also encouraged to take qualifications in their native language and our current students have taken qualifications in many languages including Arabic and Polish. 

There are two languages on offer at A Level: French and German.

Exchanges & Visits

In order to develop their exposure to language, students are encouraged to take part in visits and trips at each key stage. Students have the opportunity to take part in numerous trips and visits including:

  • Y7 Day Trip to Boulogne
  • Y8 French Trip to Normandy
  • Y9 German Exchange
  • Y10 German and History trip to Berlin
  • Y10 immersive trip to France (Paris)
  • Y12 work experience abroad opportunities and exchange opportunities

Other trips we have run previously include trips to theatres, museums, language competitions and university lectures.

Extra-curricular

There are also plenty of opportunities within the department for students to explore their love of languages in the form of lunchtime and after-school clubs. These have included film clubs, French board game club, Duolingo Challenge, European Day of Languages Competitions and many more. We also run MFL competitions with the other Trust schools in Y7 and Y8 in spelling and translation.

Language Scholars and Future Linguists

We welcome 10% of our Year 7 intake each year as language scholars. Entry as a language scholar requires taking a language scholar test, which assesses natural capacity for language acquisition. There is no need for potential language scholars to speak a second language already as the test assesses learning potential rather than any existing language ability. Language Scholars are part of a special club in KS3 where they undertake certain language projects and engage in creative language learning. Language Scholars are expected to continue with languages to GCSE and be language role models for their peers.

In Year 10 all students are invited to apply for the Future Linguists programme which aims to develop students and grow their CVs as potential university students. Previous activities done by the Future Linguists includes a trip to Harrow School to see a lecture by Oxford professor, Prof Richard Cooper; a trip to a London Theatre to see a Moliere play; entering the UK Linguistics Olympiad and entering the Times’ Stephen Spender translation competition.

Thames West Language Network

William Perkin is a network school within the Thames West Language Network, which is one of 14 Language Networks across the country, working at local and regional levels to connect schools in communities of practice. They will drive change through research-informed action and sharing knowledge through Language Educators Online (LEO), NCLE’s free online professional learning platform for languages teachers.

The Thames West Language Network builds on the success of the Language Hub and expands reach through a programme of webinars and teach-meets to include more schools across the region. The NCLE is working with schools to raise the profile of languages and strengthen language teaching and learning in England.

Links with Primary Schools

We have links with local primary schools and have previously invited their language teachers to training events with our language teachers. Our KS3 language scholars take part in a primary school language outreach in the Summer Term where they prepare and deliver sessions to teach French to Year 6 students, many of whom will join William Perkin the following year.