Modern languages (French, German and Spanish) are strong and flourishing at Repton. Around 50 pupils annually study for AS qualifications in the department, at least half of whom are likely to progress to the full A-level. Up to 20% of pupils take GCSE French a year early, proceeding directly to the AS level qualification at a stage when they are ready to benefit from its more substantial intellectual content.
The department has two main aims. Firstly, each pupil should maximise his or her academic potential, by obtaining the highest grade possible at GCSE, AS or A level. Secondly, all pupils should be encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards language learning and an informed appreciation of other nationalities and cultures.
To this end the materials used for teaching in the department, particularly in the Sixth Form, are chosen with an eye to their contemporary relevance and social or political importance. Repton’s excellent IT facilities provide access to the latest on-line information about important happenings in European countries, enabling pupils to supplement their knowledge significantly outside formal lessons.
Public examination results in recent years have been excellent. Over the past five years well over half the pupils have achieved A* or A grades at GCSE level, a third of all GCSE grades being A*. 75% of entries have gained an A or B grade at AS level.
A level results over the same period have been particularly impressive. 2009 was the fourth year in succession where 100% of pupils achieved an A or B grade at A level, and over the past five years 75% of grades at A level have been an A.
Pupils wishing to apply to Oxbridge are offered special, individualised programmes of study and tuition supplementary to their AS and A level studies. Some take the Advanced Extension Award (AEA), a post-A level qualification.
Outside the classroom the department runs an academic society which mounts a variety of extracurricular activities such as lectures, foreign language films, wine-tastings and visits to the theatre and opera. Significant numbers of pupils spend periods abroad, usually on courses or residential stays with host families.
The resources of the department were further enhanced in summer 2008 by the installation of a new Language Centre, a state-of-the-art computer-assisted language learning facility, comprising a dedicated suite of 26 individual pupil terminals enabling detailed interactive work on current syllabus materials, as well as independent further study and the learning of new languages ab initio.
Key aspects of the Language Centre’s functionality are accessible in Houses, and are also available to pupils from their home address during school holidays, opening up exciting new possibilities for distance learning in the department.
Please click here to read about a recent school trip to Paris.