The majority of students continue studying one of their languages at Intermediate or Higher Level. Students can study two languages. Beginners classes are available for students with no GCSE in an MFL. Equal IB diploma points are available across all three levels. 

Beginners CLASSES

Is suitable for those:

• With no GCSE in any MFL
• Who are talented at languages and wish to acquire a new MFL (often as part of a dual linguist IB programme)

Intermediate CLASSES

Is suitable for those:

• Who have studied the language at GCSE

Higher CLASSES

Is suitable for those:

• Who have achieved a Level 7 or above at GCSE
• Who have enjoyed their GCSE language course and are passionate about learning more about the language and culture
• Who are excited by the prospect of reading literature written in the target language 
• Who are perhaps considering studying languages at University 

In all language courses, students will improve their overall competence in the language and develop a secure grammatical knowledge and usage. They will learn to skim and scan texts. They will learn how to write clearly and express themselves. They will study five themes (Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet) across four terms (all Year 12 and Autumn of Year 13). The course is examined at the end of Year 13 with four skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking. Students will take an individual speaking exam in the Spring of Year 13 and sit a writing paper (Paper I) and a reading paper (Paper II) in the Summer.

In Higher courses, with the same five core themes and the same four skills tested, students will additionally study literary texts. During the course, they will learn to communicate their fascinating ideas and tailor their language to the situation in which they are using it. This will be achieved through a wide range of activities encompassing a variety of styles and registers. The study of target language literature in class extends the range of the material they cover, and they will be encouraged to read for pleasure in their time. Full use will be made of the school's access to a wide range of media to provide the broadest possible range of exposure to the language as their means of communication at all times, with additional support provided by a foreign language assistant.

At the heart of the IB is the idea of encouraging an awareness and appreciation of other peoples, their cultures and perspectives. In Modern Languages, we aim to offer each student the opportunity at some point in their time at BGS to visit a country where their language is spoken. Our approach encourages students to adopt an international outlook and provide them with a firm basis for further study, work and leisure linked to the language they study and maybe others they choose to study in the future.