In Module 2 Year 8, we are learning about hobbies, in particular, reading and the types of books we like to read. This is a brilliant topic for fine-tuning how to give detailed opinions. We have been reading about Matilda Wormwood’s love of reading in a letter which she has written to Miss Trunchbull. We have imagined the type of reply that Miss Trunchbull would write to Matilda.
Here is a snapshot of some of our favourites.
‘Ich finde Lesen so langweilig, Matilda, aber ich lese ab und zu in der Badewanne, weil es warm ist. Am Liebsten lese ich Sportbücher, aber ich lese auch gern Zeitungen, weil sie interessant sind. Liebesromane und Kinderbücher lese ich nicht so gern, weil sie zu romantisch und blöd sind. Ich sehe nicht gern Kindersendungen, weil ich Kinder hasse. Meiner Meinung nach sind Kinder wie ‘MAGGOTS’. Ich liebe Sportsendungen und mein Lieblingsbuch heist ‘Shot putting for Dummies’. S Kampta.
Ich finde Lesen blöd, Matilda. Du liest zu viel. Wie schrecklich! Meiner Meinung nach sind Sportbücher wichtig. Fraulein Hönig liest auch zu viel und sie ist nicht sportlich. Ich hasse Fantasybücher, sie sind blöd, kindisch und superlangweilig. Am Liebsten lese ich Zeitungen, aber ich hasse alle andere Bücher. M Siskina.
Ich finde Lesen okay, aber kindisch. Matilda, du findest Lesen unterhaltsam und sehr interessant. Ich lese manchmal im Bett, weil es so ruhig ist. Fraulein Hönig findet Lesen spannend aber ich finde Lesen blöd. Am Liebsten lese ich Horrorbücher, weil sie gruselig sind. Mein Lieblingsbuch ist ‘Trunchbull The Greatest Shotputter on Earth’. Ich hasse Bücher über schwarze Katzen.
J Brunton
Ich finde Lesen sehr blöd, Matilda, aber ich lese in meiner Schule. Meiner Meinung nach sind Sportbücher gut aber Sachbücher sind sehr langweilig. Ich hasse Fantasybücher, weil sie doof sind. Ich finde Gameshows unterhaltsam aber ich sehe nicht gern die Nachrichten. J Livingstone
Lily P in Frau Gill’s class in Year 7 went on a wonderful trip to Poland in the February half term and here she tells us all about her trip:
In February half term, I went on a ski trip to Poland and got to go and see some amazing landmarks such as the thermal spa, Krakow square and we went on a trip to Auschwitz. We learnt about this in our German lessons as we had been learning about German History, the Berlin Wall and how Germany has changed over the years. I stayed in Poland for a week which meant I stayed in Krakow for 2 days and then in Zakopane for 4 days and travelled back to Krakow to go home the next day. In Krakow, I got to go ice skating, shopping and we visited Auschwitz. In Zakopane, I went skiing, to the thermal spa and to a water park. Overall, it was such a good trip and Auschwitz was very interesting. P.S. Do not forget to try Pierogi if you go to Poland. It is the best!
At the end of February, we had a French student coming over to spend nearly 3 weeks here at Penwortham Girls’ in order to complete work experience and to attend lessons as a student. All French classes were able to meet Eva and ask her many questions using their French. It was great to see Eva could understand them and I felt very proud of our students who could not only ask questions clearly and confidently in a foreign language but also understand Eva when she replied in (fast!) French.
Eva also spent some time with Y7 German classes; Herr Briscoe’s class had prepared questions for Eva to answer in English.
As part of the STEM festival, Y8 were invited to play Bingo in French at lunchtime with our French guest.
It was a lovely experience for both our guest and our students who displayed curiosity and social responsibility.
Madame Raine
This is what Eva wrote about her experience at PGHS:
3 weeks at Penwortham Girls’ High School
Hello, my name is Eva, and I did a 3-week work experience at Penwortham Girls’ High School. Upon arriving at this school, I was able to notice several differences for example the teachers wore suits whereas in France most French teachers simply wear jeans. I also noticed that the students wore a school uniform unlike in France where they wear what they want. I also noticed that there was only 45 minutes for lunch. Unlike France where we have 1 or 2 hours to eat as we have a starter and sometimes cheese! The shorter lunch allows students to finish lessons earlier, for example they finish at 3.20 pm whereas in France it is 5 pm and in some schools, 6 pm. Also at lunch, students can either eat the meals from the canteen or they can bring their own sandwiches while we can’t bring our own food in France, but we can go home for lunch. I also learned that when they have an absent teacher, they always have a supply teacher whereas in France we don’t often have a supply teacher so we just finish earlier. I also found the students quite enthusiastic.
I really enjoyed these 3 weeks at this school. The teaching team and the students were very welcoming, I had a great time. Thank you very much for allowing me to discover British school education during these 3 weeks.
At the end of this term we say a fond farewell to our favourite male German teacher Herr Briscoe who has expertly covered Mrs Ingram’s maternity leave for the last 11 months. Mrs Ingram will be returning to our MFL team after the Easter break and we say Auf Wiedersehen and Danke schön to Herr Briscoe for all his hard work and dedication to our team and students this last 3 terms. We wish him all the best of luck as he embarks on his new venture at his new school. Keep in touch, Mr Briscoe and Viel Glück!
“As of the 15th of April, I shall be leaving this wonderful school and embarking on the next stage of my budding teaching career. During my tenure of 10 months here at Penwortham Girls’, I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with some remarkable individuals who have undoubtedly influenced my pedagogy and perspective on the profession. Working at this school has also afforded me the opportunity to engage with some exceptional young people, whose enthusiasm and character have dispelled any uncertainties I may have harboured about teaching. Most importantly, they have instilled in me a sense of optimism for the future, as they possess ambition, compassion, curiosity, dignity, resilience and social responsibility in abundance.
Where will languages really take you? From a student at PGHS to France?
When I last visited France in the summer, I was invited to a BBQ hosted by an Australian couple (something very unusual)! They had also invited an English couple and were keen to meet more English speakers. It is very rare to meet people of different nationalities where I come from. As I got talking to one of the English guests and explained that I live in the North West near a town called Preston, it turned out the lady I was talking to (Mrs Denton) was originally from Lancashire and had been to school at Penwortham Girls’ and did I know the school?! What were the chances of meeting an ex-Penwortham Girls’ student in a small town in France? I told Mrs Denton about our Newsletter et voilà! I hope you enjoy reading about her journey and if you know anyone who went to the school at the same time and remembers her, she is keen to keep in touch.
Madame Raine
In 1962, I started my secondary school education at Penwortham Girls’ Grammar. I was the smallest girl in the school and the only child to come from my village so I knew no-one. The school was only 7 years old so all the buildings seemed very light, airy and modern compared to my Victorian village school.
I was brought up on a farm and when I read to our English teacher, the Headmistress, Miss Waddington, she said that my reading was, ‘ An example of the most dreadful Lancashire accent, and I hope that by the time you leave this school you will have learnt to speak properly.’ I think that now, your school would have rather more understanding of the delicate feelings of its’ pupils!
Despite this, I loved school and made friends with whom I am still in contact with. I enjoyed most of the subjects and I particularly enjoyed learning French. I studied it up to ‘A’ level along with English and geography.
After university, I became an English teacher and eventually, the Deputy Headteacher of a large comprehensive school.
I continued my love of France and spent many holidays with my family in different regions. In 1993, this led to us buying a small holiday cottage in Brittany and being able to converse with my neighbours made settling in much easier. Later, when we retired, we moved to a larger house with a huge garden in the Sarthe, near to Le Mans. Being able to speak French meant that I could join in with the life of the community and make good friends. As a member of a local Heritage society, I have translated many official documents for visitors to use.
We have now lived in France for 14 years. Recently, when we were sharing a meal with friends, we met a lady who had married an English man and now lived in Lancashire. Imagine my amazement when it turned out that she was Madame Raine, currently teaching at my old school! It brought back many happy memories and when I looked up your school online, I was most impressed by the dynamism and commitment of the pupils and the breadth of ambition of the school.
Learning the language of another country can be a gateway into understanding and improving relationships – something which is greatly needed in today’s world. Never underestimate where your studies may take you, in your youth or in your later life.
What a busy first term it has been here in the MFL department and as the term draws to a close, I would like to thank all our students for working so hard in their French and German lessons and giving their all.
Year 7 have worked on learning how to introduce themselves, Year 8 Germanists have learned how to describe their past holidays and learned our new favourite word ‘Kakerlaken’ and Year 8 French students have learned how to introduce themselves, give personal information and opinions. Year 9 pupils have also been working hard and have produced some lovely letters and cards to send over to France and Germany. A huge well done to Year 11 for working through a really busy term and mock exams, pushing towards our goals next year and taking on the new challenges as we prepare for our mock speaking exams in January. A big cheer for our Year 10 students embarking on their first term of GCSE French and German and producing some outstanding results in their recent Module 1 assessments alongside a brilliant attitude. Well done, all!
Frau Gill
Nikolaustag
The Christmas celebrations started early in Germany last Wednesday, 6th December as this day marks der Nikolaustag for many families across German speaking countries and children prepare for the visit of St Nikolaus. To prepare for the visit, children should tidy their rooms and clean their toys. Shoes should be polished, and set out by the door or on a windowsill. (Some children even leave a bit of hay or straw for St. Nikolas’s Donkey). They leave them outside in they hope if they’ve been good enough, Nikolaus will fill it with all kinds of sweet treats and toys. Rumour has it that if you have not been good, Nikolaus will leave you some twigs and sticks instead! Our KS3 classes tested this out last week when we made our German boots and set them out ready – I wonder who ended up with treats and who ended up with twigs? Here is a video that our KS3 classes will be watching this week, explaining all about the traditional story of Nikolaustag:
Year 8 have made a brilliant start in French which they started studying in September. Last lesson, we had 7 journalists equipped with microphones (special thanks to Mrs Williams for the loan) who went around the classroom and interviewed their classmates in French. Each journalist had a different question. At the end, we also had a “celebrity” in the hot seat answering all seven questions as quickly as they could. Mahnoor, Sophie and Esther were particularly cool under pressure. Well done, Y8!
Madame Raine ☺
Year 9 and Year 10 French pen pals
Year 9 French have received their first letter this week from our latest partner school in the Loire Valley in France. We were very impressed with their art skills.
Year 10 French also posted their replies to their new pen pals last week and it seems our students are equally gifted. They were able to write with detail and accuracy and put a lot of effort into their letters.
Writing to pen pals is not only a great way for students to use their foreign language skills for a real purpose but is also an opportunity to revisit everything they have studied and get an insight into a different culture. Students are also encouraged to show curiosity and compassion (some of our school values) by asking their pen pals questions about cultural life in their country.
Our latest school is near “Château de Chambord” in the Loire Valley which looks such a wonderful place on have on your doorstep! I am not at all jealous!
Madame Raine ☺
A level visit from Runshaw
Our Year 11 students had a great morning this half term with a visit from Paul Wyton, a German teacher from Runshaw College who spoke to our students about life at Runshaw College and A level German, what to expect and the topics they cover. Our students really enjoyed the talk and gained a lot from it with lots of interesting questions at the end of the session. A huge thanks to Paul for coming in to take the time to talk to our students. Paul will be back in after Christmas to do some exam preparation sessions with our German students which we are really looking forward to.
Blooket winners this half term Frau Gill
Mrs Gill’s Year 7 class have been in strong competition to see who can the best at Blooket. Blooket is a great quiz game where students can learn and practise their German vocabulary in a series of games to see who can triumph. This term following students have consistently proved there are the Blooket Queens. Well done, all!
1. Eva W
2. Samara B
3. Yasmin C
4. Esther C
5. Mollie S
Herr Briscoe Year 8 Penpals
My Year 8 classes have initiated a Pen Pal scheme with students from the Sickingen-Gymnasium in the German city of Landstuhl. This has enabled the students to use both the present and perfect tenses to discuss themselves and a recent holiday they’ve experienced. Additionally, it provides the students with an opportunity to engage in conversations with native speakers of the language and exchange perspectives on their own experiences, as well as those of their Pen Pals living in the United Kingdom and Germany.
We kicked off this half term with the launch of our penpals partnership with our partner school The Sickingen Gymnasium in Germany. This school is a grammar school based in Landstuhl, which is situated on the north-west edge of the Palatinate Forest, 11 miles (18 km) west of Kaiserslautern. It is also located near the U.S. Air Force base Ramstein Air Base. Our German friends have already sent us an introductory letter so we were excited to open our letters and see what they had to tell us about themselves and their lives. Many of the students we are exchanging with are from other countries in Europe and further afield whose parents are based in the army. Some children are from America, France, Poland, Turkey and of course Germany. Mrs Gill’s Year 8 classes spent two lessons reading through the information in German and then writing a response about ourselves and a recent trip or a holiday we have been on. I am sure you will agree the letters look fabulous and I am certain our friends in Germany will be thrilled to receive them. These have now all been packaged up and posted over to Germany. Hopefully we will get a reply soon and we can then send our festive greetings to them in December.
During October, our department celebrates ‘die Wiedervereinigung’ – The reunificiation of Germany. This was a process of re-establishing Germany as a single full state which took place between 9 November 1989 and 15 March 1991. On 3rd October 1990, the “Unification Treaty” entered into force dissolving the German Democratic Republic. To learn more about this time in the German calendar, we learnt about the events that led to the Berlin wall being built, the problems this caused for Germany and the German people and then what led to ‘Der Fall der Mauer’ (the fall of the wall). We learnt all about the escapes that some people made and we learnt all about the sacrifices people made and then eventually the parties that happened when the wall came down. To celebrate this, Year 7 made some handprints covered in vocabulary and facts about the Berlin wall and Years 8 and 9 made some bricks to depict the Berlin wall covered in graffiti.
The Christmas celebrations start early in Germany this Wednesday, 6th December as this day marks der Nikolaustag for many families across German speaking countries and children prepare for the visit of St Nikolaus. To prepare for the visit, children should tidy their rooms and clean their toys. Shoes should be polished, and set out by the door or on a windowsill. Some children even leave a bit of hay or straw for St. Nikolas’ Donkey. They leave them outside in they hope if they’ve been good enough, Nikolaus will fill it with all kinds of sweet treats and toys. Rumour has it, that if you have not been good, then Nikolaus will leave you some twigs and sticks instead. Our KS3 classes will be testing this out next week. We will be making our German boots and setting them out ready – I wonder who will end up with treats and who will end up with twigs? Here is a video that our KS3 classes will be watching this week, explaining all about the traditional story of Nikolaustag:
