In spite of languages now being an optional subject at the end of Year 9, it is good to see that so many Priesthorpe students appreciate the value of being able to speak a foreign language and choose to continue their language studies to GCSE and beyond.

A-level classes are up and running in French, Spanish and German, either at Priesthorpe
itself or in the post-16 consortium.

This year the Modern Languages Department is planning a range of extra-curricular activities, including visits to 'The French Experience' at the City Learning Centre, a visit to a Spanish Tapas Bar, continental breakfasts, a Modern Languages Club at lunchtime for KS3 students, and much more. Watch this space.

The Modern Languages Workshop is held every Friday lunchtime in room 12 for students who need extra help or guidance with their GCSE coursework, or any other aspects of their GCSE work. Don't forget that French, Spanish and German Dictionaries and Revision Guides can always be ordered from the MFL Department. Ask your languages teacher for a letter to take home.

The German Exchange, which started in 1997, continues to go from strength to strength, with regular visits taking place between Priesthorpe School and the Städtische Gesamtschule in Soest. Soest is a beautiful little town in North Germany, not far from Dortmund. This year a group of Year 10 students from Soest visited us at the beginning of June and our students paid their return visit from 11th to 19th July, staying with their German pen-friends and their families. A busy programme of activities was organised, which included a day trip to Cologne, a visit to Movie World (a Warner Bros Theme Park), a treasure hunt around Soest, a visit to the Möhne Dam and a nature reserve, an official reception with the Mayor of Soest and a couple of days in school finding out how German schools are different from English ones. The German and English students also worked together in the ICT suite to update the Exchange website.

Here are the impressions of two Priesthorpe students who went to Soest last July:

"I first heard about the German Exchange when my sister and her friends were involved in 2001. With their feedback being good I decided to be involved with the Exchange programme.

I was really excited in the weeks running up to it, and also a little bit nervous. When the German students arrived I was very excited but yet worried in case I didn't get on with my partner or if I made a serious wrong move.

The week was great fun and I thought it was interesting to ask my partner about the lifestyle in Germany and contrasting things.

When we were going to Germany I had no sleep the night we were going. We were meeting at 3.30 a.m. so maybe that's why I had no sleep! When we finally arrived I didn't really appreciate my surroundings because, to be honest, I was too tired, although, starting on the second day, I noticed the changes. Although there were differences there was also a lot that was very similar.

I had a lot of fun during the week in Germany and, in the end, I could have stayed for another week or two. The two weeks have really helped my German and I came back more determined to do well in my two languages (I do French as well). The whole programme was an excellent experience."
Richard Corbett

"When I got to my partner's home I was a bit surprised at how big, modern and, well, expensive everything looked. I got on well with my partner but we clashed on our taste in music. That was probably why I got on better with her brother! He was into the bands I liked while Melanie preferred Pop Idol. I enjoyed the Thursday the most as the group went to Movie World and we all had a ball on the many rollercoasters there.
I would say it's a valuable experience as you will gain a better understanding of German and you will become even friendlier with the English people on the trip with you, even if you never talked to them before. Oh, and if you do go, pack for a heat wave!"
Penny Cunningham

Other students said:
"I was a bit worried about going to stay with a German family but when I got there they were so nice I soon felt at home"
Jason Coleman

"I really enjoyed the whole experience"
Laura Holdsworth

"I was worried about the language difficulties because I don't speak much German but my penfriends helped me a lot and I learnt loads of new words while I was there"
Amy Pitman

"The family I stayed with was really kind and made me feel very welcome. I would definitely recommend the Exchange if you get the chance to go"
Laura Wilson

"As well as the experience of living in a German family, we did lots of things as a group, including a trip to a theme park, the Warner Bros version of Disneyland, which was great"
Adam Wilson

"I had enjoyed the Exchange so much the first time I went that I decided to go again. I'm now doing A-level German and the Exchange gave me a great opportunity to practise my language"
Katherine Jubb, Year 13

Mrs Goostrey,
Head of Modern Foreign Languages Department

PE
Priesthorpe's biggest ever group of Year 11 and Year 12 girls have begun training for their netball season in the 'Senior Friendly League'. They have been training on Thursdays for the last four weeks and are looking forward to their first two fixtures against Pudsey Grangefield (7th Oct) and St. Mary's Menston (16th Oct)

Girls' football continues to grow at Priesthorpe. It has been great to see the interest in football from the new Year 7 intake. Fixtures are in the process of being arranged and it is hoped to progress from 5-a-side to 11-a-side football this year.
Miss Nicholas
PE Department

Priesthorpe is holding its very first Dance Festival on Tuesday 26th November at 7.00 p.m. Over 100 girls are taking part, from Year 7 through to Year 11. Parents and friends are invited to attend the evening to watch and support the students in their performances. All the students have selected their own music and have choreographed sequences that represent the correct genre for their particular music. The dances range from ballet, tap, Irish and disco. The evening should be an enjoyable experience for all those involved and will be a product of all the hard work taking place during lunchtimes and after school.
Miss Graham
PE Department

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