Sixth Form cohort are pioneers as they gain new French qualification

Fifteen Sixth Formers have become the ‘première cohorte’ from the School to gain a new French language qualification.

The boys have all passed the DELF, which can be sat by Years 12 and 13 as an alternative to a full A-level as part of Tonbridge’s Sixth Form Curriculum.

Having put their skills to the test, the boys did the School proud with a 100 per cent pass rate (the DELF is a pass or fail qualification but is otherwise ungraded).

French Teacher Jean-Patrick Vieu said: “What started as a journey into unknown territory has now turned into a great success for these boys. All demonstrated perseverance, determination, patience and good humour during their studies, and I am overjoyed at the outcome. I’m proud of each and every one of them.”

Studying a Modern Language in the Sixth Form is a popular choice for Tonbridgians. Approximately one third of the current Upper Sixth opt to study at least one, either to A-level or as an additional language qualification. The national trend, meanwhile, shows a sharp decline in the number of students studying languages after the age of 16.

Modern Languages on offer at Tonbridge are French, German, Mandarin and Spanish.

Head of Modern Languages, Will Law, adds: “Qualifications such as the DELF allow students to carry on their linguistic journeys after their GCSEs, but without committing to a full A-level. They can still benefit from the many academic, social and work-related opportunities that proficiency in another language provides.

“We’re delighted that this new course has proved to be such a popular option among our boys, and many from this year’s cohort are looking forward to resuming overseas travel, and putting their language skills to good use, in the near future.”

Pictured above: Sixth Formers (with Mr Vieu) celebrate gaining their new qualification.