Howell's School

"Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Novelist, Dramatist.
Our aim in the Modern Languages department is to offer challenging and enjoyable courses, within a stimulating environment in which the individual student can develop their language skills to the best of their ability. The department strives to ensure that all Language students, regardless of ability, experience a sense of enjoyment, achievement and progress as a result of their language work.

We consider that our department plays an important role in fostering awareness of, and a positive attitude towards, cultures associated with the languages studied - so encouraging in students an open-minded attitude to the unfamiliar. All students therefore have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, including home stay visits.

Three languages are taught within the curriculum - French, Spanish and German. Welsh is offered as an extra-curricular subject. French is compulsory for all students in years 7-9. In year 8/9, in addition to French, all students also take Spanish. In years 10 and 11 German is introduced as a GCSE subject. 

It is possible to take two curriculum- based languages at GCSE and in addition Welsh. Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one language at GCSE and continue to A level should they have the aptitude and interest to do so. All four languages are available to AS and A2 level.

All languages are taught by subject specialists. The department has its own dedicated rooms and regular use is made of ICT to enhance language learning. Students have access to satellite TV, listening and recording media, appropriate software and magazines. We regularly organise themed language weeks with visiting speakers and host performances by foreign-language theatre groups. 

All overseas students are prepared for appropriate external examinations in their home language; these currently include German, Russian, Japanese and Chinese.