Languages department is buzzing about spelling

Year 7 pupils are extending their French vocabulary thanks to a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Spelling Bee national competition. 

The organisers of the MFL Spelling Bee competition have selected 200 words which are the most frequently used and important words in the French language. According to research, a vocabulary of 2000 words is vital for MFL proficiency and accuracy in spelling is equally important as there is emphasis on this in the new GCSE exams. 

The first stage of the competition was completed before Christmas with the top three from each class going through to the second stage to be held in school before February half-term. 

Finley is one of the pupils who is through to the second stage and said the competition had helped him: “It has helped me learn new French words that I could use if I was in France, it’s increased my vocabulary.” 

Josh said: “If I go abroad, it will help me talk to people and help them understand me if I need help. I have enjoyed learning new words.” 

Sehr said: “This has exposed me to a new culture and different words and people and how they speak. I have learnt a lot of new vocabulary.  I am competitive so I enjoy competitions. I want to go to France and work so this is important to me.” 

has helped me learn a lot more words and it’s exciting to go through to the second stage.” 

Head of MFL Mrs Scully said: “Year 7 have participated really well throughout Stage 1 and engaged brilliantly with ‘training’ in class and for homework. 

“We have some really talented linguists and their recall and knowledge of the French alphabet and required vocabulary is very strong. A huge well done to the winners from each group and good luck for Stage 2.” 

This was also a school interhouse competition - the winner was Hodder, with Ribble not far behind in second place, followed by Douglas and Calder. 
 

Well done: Junaid Q, Richard J, Sehr A, Josh B, Jessica D, Alan K, Alexa G, Taylor K, Felix D, Finley K, Jad H, Hannah N, Jess L, Jamal C.