Modern Foreign Languages
Key Stage 3 French Play
As you know, languages play a significant role in our IB world school. This year several trips abroad have been organised however places were limited and filled quite quickly. To enable more students to have a ‘French experience’, a French theatre company came to perform a play, entirely in French, at The Leigh Academy.
Here is what one of our Year 8 students wrote about the play:
“I was happy I was able to go [to watch the play] so I could see if I understood real French speakers talk and to see if my French classes came to any good. The play was about two people who moved into a haunted house. There was a criminal on the loose who scared them. He had supernatural powers but the sister did not believe it. I didn't understand everything in the play but the body language, the intonation and the props helped me understand what was happening. I was pleased that I understood so much. The play was about an hour long and I was intrigued all the way through!”
We hope to hold a similar event for those studying Spanish in the next academic year.
French Spelling Bee
We are proud to have successfully launched our very first Spelling Bee this academic year. This success would not have been possible without the resilience and enthusiasm of all of our participants. On Friday 30th June 2023, our four finalists entered the very last stage of the competition. All of these students showed inspiring determination as they all beat their own personal records when standing in front of the jury. We are very proud of these students as the final must have been very stressful and yet, all four finalists did exceptionally well in spite of pressure.
4th - Lucy from Shakespeare College
3rd - Shreeya from Mandela College
2nd - Rishvanth from Mandela College
1st - Amily from Mandela College.
Year 8 students in Normandy
Year 8 students had the opportunity to go to Normandy in Module 6. Students enjoyed a wide variety of different activities including a trip to the famous Mont St Michel World Heritage site, a trip to a local market, archery, French conversation classes, a trip to a goat cheese farm and outdoor pursuit activities.
Students had a fantastic time and immersed themselves in the local culture, putting their understanding of the language into good practise wherever they were able to do so.
Trip to Spain
The Modern Foreign Languages Learning Areas took 37 students to Madrid, Spain for four days during Module 6. It was an early start from school at 02:30 am for a 07:30am flight from Heathrow.
The days consisted of a variety of activities and tasks to test the Spanish skills of the students. During these four days we visited famous tourist places in Madrid such as the Royal Palace which was part of a walking tour. We also visited the Santiago Bernabeu stadium and the historic bullring. Students enjoyed the famous “churros con chocolate” and we had a night of “tapas” to try typical Spanish foods. We also enjoyed a game of bowling on our last morning where students and staff showed their competitive side!
Students had to put their speaking skills to the test when they had to communicate in Spanish ordering food and drinks at the different restaurants. Thanks must go to all staff on the trip: Mr.McConville, Mrs.Holman, Ms.Lopez and Ms. Picazo
