Since
September 2003 we have gradually been recruiting Language Assistants to
work with us in the MFL faculty. We now have an Assistant working in each
language:
Monsieur
David Rivera for French, Frau Hella Vine for German and Lăoshī
Joyce Chen for Chinese.
The
main focus for these teachers is improving our students’ oral skills.
All year groups have an opportunity to practise with the Assistants, in
particular GCSE groups and AS and A2 French classes, who have oral
examinations looming. Students
work in small groups of 3-7 and revise vocabulary covered in class,
improve pronunciation or learn about the culture of the area where the
language is spoken. They may
carry out speaking tests in the lessons too.
The three Assistants have had a huge impact on the amount of language spoken by our students and the quality of it. It is a great advantage for them to have regular contact with a native speaker, in particular for the Europe languages as we are so far away from the countries. All teachers in the MFL faculty have found working with the Assistants very motivating for the students and extremely useful for developing oral skills and also a deeper cultural understanding. Our thanks to all three.
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