Modern Languages

The Modern Languages Department aims to make boys proficient in the use of one, often two, and sometimes three languages. This involves not only linguistic expertise but also a thorough understanding of different cultures.

Language choices in Years 7 to 11

In Year 7, pupils choose either French or Spanish as their first language which they study to GCSE. In addition to French or Spanish, all pupils in Year 7 learn Mandarin Chinese. The demand for second and third foreign language study is encouraging: in Year 8, pupils choose to start German or may continue with Chinese. In Year 9, French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are introduced as options. In addition to their timetabled lessons, Year 10 pupils can choose to take part in enrichment courses in Arabic, Italian and Japanese. In Year 11, it is usual for 25% of the cohort to sit two language GCSEs with a significant number of pupils choosing to continue to study one or more languages at A level.

Our philosophy

Communicative proficiency, coupled with intellectual challenge and enrichment through film, literature and other aspects of target-language culture lie at the heart of our approach to language study. Our schemes of work look to teach beyond the confines of the chosen specifications and inspirational teaching brings languages to life whilst maintaining strong linguistic standards.

Co-curricular opportunities

In addition to a strong school-based co-curricular provision that includes Modern Languages and Linguistics Societies in the Senior School, we organise trips in the UK that include study days at the BFI, film screenings and outings to Chinatown. We also actively encourage pupils to participate in language competitions outside the College. These include the Stephen Spender Translation Prize, the Anthea Bell translation competition, GCHQ’s National Language Competition, London Schools’ French and Spanish debating competitions and the UK Linguistics Olympiad. We are very proud of our pupils’ success in these competitions.

Overseas study trips

There are currently 16 optional language study visits to France, Spain, Germany, Italy and China for pupils of all ages. It is expected that pupils studying languages post GCSE will participate in residential study, a homestay visit or an exchange.

University and careers

A measure of the success of language learning at the College is the encouraging number of students who go on to read Modern Languages beyond Dulwich. Pupils looking to study Modern Languages at university are tutored in the literature and advanced culture of their chosen subjects as well as taken beyond the Year 13 syllabus in their linguistic work. Every year, there are candidates for Oxbridge entry in most languages, and the College is proud of the achievements of its linguists who have continued their studies at university and moved into careers where languages are essential.

Mr Robert Baylis MA MA
Head of Modern Languages
baylisr@dulwich.org.uk

Miss Emma Corris BA
Head of German
corrisel@dulwich.org.uk

Miss Rocio Garcia BA MA
Head of Spanish
garciar@dulwich.org.uk

Mr James Poynton BA
Head of French
poyntonje@dulwich.org.uk

Mr Julian Suddaby MA MPhil
Head of Chinese
suddabyjs@dulwich.org.uk