Modern Foreign Languages General overview & picture: The success and strength of this department results in an impressive uptake at GCSE and A level, with students studying French, Spanish, German and Mandarin.  Supported by a team of foreign language teaching assistants, students are encouraged to communicate through interactive lessons, ranging from web-conferencing to a wide range of ICT programmes, Poetry and presentations.  Immersion in the language culture is essential and is enhanced by popular foreign exchange trips to Paris, Madrid, Borheim and soon Beijing.  Our sixth form gain valuable work experience abroad which, together with the study of foreign literature, provides a strong platform for top university entrance. Our specialist status has not only enabled Fortismere to support the delivery of MFL in local primary schools, but also to introduce Mandarin as a new language opportunity for our students. This exciting development has brought an additional dimension to an already successful department. One hundred and twenty of our most able students in years 7, 8 and 9 will study a second language (Mandarin or German) alongside their first language of either French or Spanish. They receive an additional timetable allocation for this. The department has three successful exchange programmes that already exist at the school with European partner schools. Every year nearly one hundred students participate in these programmes. A study trip to Beijing is planned for next Summer. The department also runs after school courses for students and parents. This year focussed on beginners' Russian and Chinese new year and next year we will consider more languages such as Arabic, Turkish and Greek. Information regarding dates will be sent via the school newsletter. KS3 All students study at least one language (French or Spanish). The most able 40% of students are offered either mandarin or German as a second language. KS4 (GCSE Edexcel Board) Students can opt for one language or two if they have studied a second language in years 7,8 and 9. Post 16 (AS/A-Level Edexcel Board) AS and A-Level in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. Minimum entry requirement is a grade 'B'. The course is a general grounding in youth-related and global issues and attaches high priority to spontaneous spoken and written work. Download chinese character viewer