MFL at Baxter College

Group focus 7YML1

Since September, in 7YML1 we have spent time discussing the history of the French language and its influence on English. We were surprised to learn that roughly two out of every three English words are linked to French, and that English and French words are often very similar. With these cognates, it’s just a question d’accent or a différence de prononciation. 

 

We’ve also looked at why it’s important to learn a language: not only does it improve your communication skills, your cultural knowledge and generally make you a more tolerant person, it’s also a fantastic way to get your brain in shape. Learning a language makes you brainier! 

 

In addition to making new friends from other primary schools, we’ve also met some French personalities, including Emperor Napoléon, Président Sarkosy, Tintin and Milou, Astérix and Le Petit Prince. Click below to hear us greet each other and present ourselves...

 

 

7YML1 1

7YML1 2

7YML1 3

7YML1 4

7YML1 5

7YML1 6

7YML1 7

7YML1 8

European Day of Languages

The European Day of Languages was set up to encourage language learning across Europe. It is celebrated every year on the 26th September. This year we wanted to celebrate it by looking at languages further afield. We decided on Punjabi after a successful visit from our Indian guests Arjot and Ruchira as part the International Inspirations programme.

Arjot spent some time with us in MFL and recorded the following podcasts to give you a quick flavour of the language:

Hello/Goodbye

Arjot's Podcast

I am called Arjot

Arjot's Podcast

How are you?

Arjot's Podcast

Fine - Good - Very good

Arjot's Podcast

Numbers 1 to 10

Arjot's Podcast

Extra-curricular clubs

Monday sees the start of our exciting new extra-curricular programme. It kicks off with Make the grade French with Mrs Wilkin on Monday at 3:15pm. On Tuesday, Mrs Prout runs the German equivalent and on Wednesday Mrs Price is running our Foreign Language Leader Award. We are also very pleased that Mrs Crassus is bringing a little Italian flavour to the Department; on Wednesday she will be running an Italian club and on Thursday a Language Choir.

We hope to see you at one of our clubs!

3 Countries in 5 Days

We are very excited to be able to announce the launch of the 2010 Three Countries Tour to France, Germany and Switzerland. 

Have a look at the photos from two years ago to see what we have planned for 75 lucky students in Years 7 and 8... 

If you like what you see and would like to join us on the tour, come and collect a letter from Mrs Prout in G8. 

And the winner is...

Over the summer holidays we ran a podcast competition open to all Baxter students. The winner of the pair of cinema tickets was selected at random and is...

Danielle S in Year 9

 

Congratulations Danielle! We hope you have a great time.

Look out for our next competition at the end of this half-term...

Bienvenue! Willkommen! Bienvenido!

The MFL Department would like to say a big welcome to all of our new students. Well done on finding your way to our blog! Feel free to take a look around. For all of you returning to us after the summer break, it's great to have you back. We'd love to hear what you have been up to.

Be sure to check back regularly over the next few weeks as we'll be announcing the winner of our summer podcast competition, launching various extra-curricular activities such as after school clubs and visits abroad, showcasing student work, interviewing your teachers and lots lots more!

A bientôt! Bis bald! Hasta luego!