Modern Languages

Modern languages are popular at Channing.  All girls begin studying French in Year 7 and choose between German and Spanish in Year 8.  In the Sixth Form, they have the opportunity to take up Italian, in addition.  Many girls choose to study two languages to GCSE, and keen linguists occasionally opt for three.  

Girls in the Upper School during their exchange visit to Salamanca, Spain

Beyond the classroom, the Sixth Form produce a French magazine twice a year and there is a variety of clubs for enthusiasts; Spanish, German and Russian for the Middle and Senior School and the Polyglot Society for the Sixth Form where outside speakers talk to the students on a wide range of cultural themes.

A brand new languages club has been set up this year for girls in Years 7 to 9. It’s called “Lingo Bingo” and is run by the Middle School Officers, all of whom have a great enthusiasm for languages. It has been a great success and girls have had the chance to learn languages as diverse as Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian and Hebrew.  There will be plenty more opportunities to take part in this exciting new club next term….

At Channing we aim to foster a love of Modern Languages and foreign cultures.  To this end we encourage girls to travel widely in order to practise their languages and to gain first-hand knowledge of foreign cultures. There are established annual visits to France in Years 8, 10 and 11; an exchange for Year 10 girls to Aachen in Germany; an exchange for Years 10 upwards to the south of Spain and a Homestay visit to France for Years 10 and 11.  Girls in the Sixth Form are encouraged to spend time abroad on language courses and doing work experience.

Year 10 visit Aachen as part of their German exchange