Modern Foreign Languages at Helenswood School
Key Stage 3 MFL [Modern Foreign Languages]
Girls learn the vocabulary, structure and grammar of French and Spanish. French is taught in Years 7-9 and Spanish in Years 8-9. All pupils study both languages. Both languages are option subjects for GCSE and the ethos of the lessons- particularly in Year 9 - is to show pupils why they can and should opt for an examination course in French and/or Spanish. Both communication skills and formal grammar are emphasized as being necessary preparation for GCSE and hopefully AS/A2 French in the Sixth Form. Girls are encouraged to think ahead to a future in languages. Fun and enjoyment are also an essential part of KS3 work – pupils learn best when they enjoy achieving in a new language.
------------------- MFL Trip to Madrid October 2009 -------------------
Mrs Johnston led a wonderful trip to Madrid this October. 43 Yr 9 -13 students flew to the capital of Spain for six days of visiting cultural highlights such as the Prado Museum - full of beautiful paintings and art work - the Reina Sofia museum next door to our hotel, shopping in Madrid and coach trips out to Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo and Cuenca. Surrounded by a troupe of halloween dressed actors there were many frights and lots of laughter.
Miss Baybut learnt her Spanish in Salamanca, a stunning university city, and showed us all around. Girls fell in love with this beautiful place and have said they want to take up Spanish at university and move to Salamanca.
We discovered the convenience of the Madrid Metro (underground trains), travelled over the city and dealt with some would be pickpockets who have probably not 
recovered yet from being dealt with by a "killer stare" from Mrs Johnston.They stood no chance! Girls grew used to chanting Mr Seymour's advice re. Metro etiquette and did so with good humour.
There were ample shopping opportunities during this cultural visit to give girls the occasion to use their transactional Spanish in real life situations. Judging by the amount bought there must have been many transactions!
On the final day we went to the truly lovely Retiro park to eat ice cream in the sunshine before flying home in the afternoon.
One case was lost at Heathrow... hopefully all that shopping was returned to the pupil owner promptly.
Many thanks to Mrs Johnston for leading the trip , helped by Mrs Cawthraw, Mrs Hamblin, Miss Baybut and Bea, the Spanis
h assistant.
The hotel and airport told us how well organised and behaved our girls were - they were a joy to take to Spain and hopefully some will go on to a fascinating future life in Spain or the Americas, using their Spanish and with fond memories of a charming and fun week in the capital of Spain.
Mr Seymour
Click here for the full photo gallery of the trip
Click here to read a diary of the trip, written by Becky Reeve
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