Modern Language learning at Eckington School

In years 7 and 8, each student studies either French or German during 2 periods per week, following a course designed around the Studio course books in French and Stimmt course books in German. Lessons include a variety of activities to suit all learning styles and abilities, ranging from reading, writing, listening and speaking activities to pair work, group work and interactive activities using various ICT resources.  Students also look at authentic resources such as short stories, poems and music and they start to develop translation skills.

Qualifications currently available in both languages are GCSE and A Level and as the study of languages post Key Stage 3 is currently optional, we find that in Key Stages 4 & 5 we have small classes which benefit greatly from increased opportunity for one on one support from their teachers.

Chinese at Eckington School

Since 2013 our students have had the opportunity to study Mandarin Chinese through the Confucius Classroom project and we have enjoyed great success over the years with large numbers of our students passing The Youth Chinese Test. This is an international test for students of Chinese and is the first rung on a ladder of qualifications which students can climb as they progress through their learning. The qualification is internationally recognised, offered by the Chinese Hanban organisation and will be a useful addition to student’s skills as they prepare for an increasingly competitive future.

From September 2018, there will be a number of extra-curricular opportunities for our students to learn Chinese which are yet to be confirmed.