Modern Languages

Languages are greatly valued at Badminton, and we have a strong tradition of pupils studying several languages to GCSE and beyond, often studying a foreign language in a foreign language! 

We have several native speakers in the department and the target language is used as often as possible in lessons. 

All pupils in Year 7 study French and German for half a year and then Latin and Spanish. At the end of Year 7 they will choose two of these four languages to continue with for Year 8 and 9. 

For those joining in Year 9 with no language background, there is usually the option of a beginners’ language. Bilingual pupils may take GCSE in Year 9. 

Many pupils also have optional private tuition in languages such as Japanese and Chinese and the department has several clubs running throughout the week. A popular event in languages is the UK Languages Olympiad. The department is supported by Foreign Language Assistants in all four languages and there are opportunities to take part in homestay visits to Spain and France and a Senior School trip to Berlin. 

GCSE 

All pupils are expected to study a language at GCSE, and many choose to continue with two. We follow the Edexcel IGCSE curriculum in French, German, and Spanish and Edexcel GCSE for Chinese. We also offer a one-year Chinese IGCSE class for native speakers. 

Throughout GCSE girls develop their ability to understand the spoken language in a range of contexts and styles and read and respond to different types of language as well as learning to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Pupils will be supported in all languages by a foreign language assistant. 

A Level 

In the Sixth Form we follow the Edexcel A Level for French and for those wishing to study French alongside A Levels there is the possibility to work towards the qualification of  DELF B1.  

Spanish and German follow the AQA A Level syllabus. Pupils may take the AS at the end of the Lower Sixth or continue the two-year course. In German there is also the option of working towards the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 qualification alongside other A Levels and in Spanish there is the option of DELE B1 providing there is enough demand.  

Chinese A Level is available to native speakers as an extracurricular subject, and the HSK course is offered as an enrichment course in the Sixth Form. 

During the A Level courses, pupil develop their language skills by working on topics such changing family structures, the impact of tourism, and multiculturalism in society. There is also the opportunity to study a book and a film and to complete an Independent Research Project.  

Throughout the Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to take part in a range of language events, from a city-wide debating competition, lectures at Bristol University and visits to the theatre.  

Each year several girls go on to study modern languages at university, often in combination with other subjects. Those who pursue other degrees find that their opportunities for work and travel are greatly enhanced by their study of languages at Badminton.