Why study languages?
We believe that learning a foreign language is an important asset in a shrinking world of international trade and travel, and exposes learners in a positive way to cultures other than their own.
Which languages are studied at Dorothy Stringer?
Pupils study French in Year 7. In years 8 and 9, those pupils who we feel are capable of studying more than one language (about 80% of pupils) study French and German, or French and Spanish (dependant on year of entry to
the school). Those pupils for whom we feel that one foreign language is enough continue their study of French.
What is different about languages provision at Dorothy Stringer?
In a highly successful initiative, the most able 35% of pupils in years 8 and
9 are "fast-tracked" so that they take their French or German GCSE two years early (at the end of year 9). Since 2002 some 70% of the 160 pupils who took their French GCSE early achieved A* or A grades. In 2004 all pupils gained B grade or above. In years 10 and
11 pupils can opt for French, German and/or Spanish GCSE, or Asset Languages Advanced if they are in fast-track classes. The Dorothy Stringer model of fast-tracking is included in the guidance booklet that the government recommends to secondary schools nationally.
