Third Form Curriculum 2023-2024

Subject
Information
Languages
Languages form one of the most important components of the Origin Curriculum. Modern Languages
have ever-increasing relevance to the globalised world of work and language skills are increasingly sought by
employers in a wide range of fields, including finance, engineering, the diplomatic service, business management,
journalism and creative media, among others. The study of Classical Languages at Shrewsbury is equally
intellectually rigorous and helps pupils gain important understanding of the mechanics and structure of
language, as well as incorporating elements of classical civilisation.
What choices do I need to make?
All Third Form pupils at Shrewsbury must choose two subjects from French, German, Spanish and Classical
Greek. Information on each subject is provided in the pages that follow and should help pupils and their parents
decide which languages they would like to study.
Parents will be asked to complete an online form during the summer prior to arriving at Shrewsbury expressing
their child’s preferences, as well as stating the level of experience of each language for setting purposes. We cater
for all levels of experience and have three categories to select.
Beginner - no prior experience of studying the
language.
Intermediate - some experience of studying
the language (e.g. 1-2 years or preparation for
Common Entrance).
Advanced - significant experience of studying
the language (e.g. Scholarship or native
speaking experience).
We use the information provided as a guide to
form our classes at the start of term and will adapt
our setting to the needs of the pupil as the year
goes on.
Any parent wishing to discuss language choice is
very welcome to contact:
Mr Tim Whitehead,
Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Email: tcw@shrewsbury.org.uk
Mr Paul Fitzgerald, Head of Classics
Email: pgf@shrewsbury.org.uk
Modern Languages
French
With more than 300 million speakers over five continents, French has secured its status as a lingua franca of
culture, art and cuisine, and is an official language of the UN. At Shrewsbury, we aim not simply to focus on
exam preparation but on empowering students to become thriving linguists with a love of francophone culture.
The Origin course in French challenges pupils with advanced grammar, in addition to literary, cultural and
linguistic challenges. For example, we study a historical French film, use a variety of authentic resources in
lessons and look more widely at a range of Francophone countries.
Cultural and cross-curricular topics are seen as taking pupils beyond the requirements of the GCSE
specification. Motivation and independent learning are thereby enhanced and pupils of all experiences are
encouraged and supported to work towards the same high levels.
German
German is the most spoken mother tongue in Europe with over 100 million people speaking it as their first
language. Learning German greatly enhances educational and career opportunities, and at Shrewsbury the
German Faculty aims to give Salopians the opportunity to speak the language to a very high level and to stand
out from the crowd, with considerable success at GCSE, A Level and Oxbridge level in recent years. It remains
a popular subject at Shrewsbury and is perfectly suited to pupils with limited or no experience of studying
European Modern Foreign Languages.
Most pupils studying the Origin German course start with no previous knowledge of the language and we try
to make the learning experience as fun, interactive and enjoyable as possible, while maintaining grammatical
rigour and the discipline of regular vocab-learning. Moreover, we aim to foster self-confident expression through
our intensive focus on oral and aural skills, pronunciation and fluency, both in the classroom and with our
conversation assistant.
Spanish
Spanish influence, both linguistic and cultural, is broad and rich in so many areas of the globe and for so many
people. With approximately 450 million Spanish speakers worldwide in over twenty countries, it is a language
that is growing in importance. The Spanish Faculty aims to provide another perspective on the World, removing
barriers and allowing students to develop a number of transferable skills for their future. The learning of Spanish
is not only aimed at linguists but also at anyone that wants to strengthen their knowledge and understanding
of social and cultural issues. We promote innovative and engaging teaching which is always linked to the
contemporary Hispanic World.
The Origin course is adaptive and flexible, exploring a wide range of topics and linguistic skills. A solid base of
grammar and vocabulary enables students to start using the language as soon as possible. They can then explore
different topics that empowers them to start conversations and be able to express themselves and explore a
completely different culture.
8
9