Modern Languages

Languages are fundamental in our world.  Our girls learn the importance of being able to understand and communicate in other languages.  There is a stimulating programme of study taught by subject specialists, with a range of technology to cater for all learning styles.  Whilst we encourage girls to develop independent working skills, full support is available for examination preparation.

French

KS3

Throughout the Key Stage 3 French course girls are encouraged to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. They are also given opportunities to work independently and to use French creatively. During the course, the girls study a variety of topics, acquire an understanding of grammatical structures, and learn about French culture and the Francophone world. Our extra-curricular activities are varied and include a French Club, an interhouse scrabble competition, a day-trip to France for Year 7, a 3-day-visit to Paris for Year 8 and an opportunity to take part in an exchange with our school in Marquise for Year 9.

KS4

In Years 10 and 11, we follow the EDEXCEL GCSE syllabus. The course consists of an in-depth study for the 4 parts of the examination: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Girls study a range of topics, develop their communication and comprehension skills, and extend their knowledge of grammar and structures.  In Years 10 and 11, girls have the opportunity to take part in an exchange with our school in Marquise. 

KS5

We offer French at AS and A2 Level for Years 12 and 13. During their 5 lessons per week, a variety of units are studied in preparation for the OCR examination. All students have a minimum of 2 hours a week of individual lessons with the French Assistant to prepare for their speaking exam. Students have the opportunity to go to film screenings and conferences, as well as doing work experience abroad.

Sixth Form

We offer French at AS and A2 Level for Years 12 and 13. During their 5 lessons per week, a variety of units are studied in preparation for the OCR examination. All students have a minimum of 2 hours a week of individual lessons with the French Assistant to prepare for their speaking exam. Students have the opportunity to go to film screenings and conferences, as well as doing work experience abroad.

Extra-curricular activities

These are varied and include a French Club, an interhouse scrabble competition, a day-trip to France for Year 7, a 3-day-visit to Paris for Year 8, and an exchange with our school in Marquise for Year 9.

Latin

At St Martha’s Senior School, we try to ensure that Latin is taught in an attractive, stimulating and well-managed environment. By using a variety of teaching and learning experiences, we hope to engage all of our students in our learning programme, which encourages them in active learning.

KS3

Latin is first taught at Yr 8 and we follow the Cambridge Latin course books. In the end of Yr 9 all girls take the Cambridge accreditation test, which enables them to take their first certificate in Latin language. This can be used as proof of basic Latin’s knowledge for University application forms. Girls will learn a large quantity of vocabulary, study texts in detail and have an opportunity to participate in day trips to museums and places of interest.

KS4

In Years 10 and 11, we follow the OCR syllabus. The GCSE examination consists of prose, literature and unseen language papers. Girls use the Cambridge Latin Course. The texts concentrate on the political and social life in Rome during the early Empire. All translation is from Latin to English.  

Sixth Form

We offer Latin at AS and A2 Level for Years 12 and 13. During their 5 lessons per week, our students prepare thoroughly for the OCR examination.

Spanish

KS3

Spanish has been taught in our school for 5 years now. It is now offered to Year 7 girls with 6 lessons over 2 weeks. During the course, the girls study a variety of topics, including family, school and leisure.

KS4

In Years 10 and 11, we follow the Edexcel syllabus. The course consists of an in-depth study for the 4 parts of the examination: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Girls have the opportunity to take part in an exchange with a school in Spain for a few days.

Extra-curricular activities

These are varied and include a Spanish Club, a trip to Spain for Year 8, and an exchange with a school in Spain for Year 9.

Mordern Greek

At St Martha’s Senior School, we try to ensure that Modern Greek is taught in an attractive, stimulating and well-managed environment.
By using a variety of teaching and learning experiences, we hope to engage all of our students in our learning programme.
Our aims are to enable students to speak, read and write the Greek language and learn about living in another country, so that by comparison they will enrich their understanding of their world and culture. The girls are encouraged to participate actively and willingly so they develop their confidence in their own ability.
We try to make the language learning challenging and enjoyable to all our students.

Mandarin and Cantonese

KS5

We offer Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) at AS and A2 Level for Years 12 and 13. During their lessons each week, a variety of units are studied in preparation for the Edexcel examination. All students have individual sessions to prepare for their speaking exam. The course consists of in-depth study of Chinese language and Chinese cultures. The students will also learn and develop their research skills in essay writing.

ESL

KS3

Throughout the Key Stage 5 ESL course girls are encouraged to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. They are also given opportunities to work independently and to use English creatively. During the course, the girls study a variety of topics, acquire an understanding of grammatical structures, and learn about English culture and the English-speaking world. Girls are prepared for the IELTS examination.

Other Languages

We are always looking to introduce new languages in our curriculum. If your daughter is interested in studying any other language, please let us know. We will do our best to run a course.