The Languages department aims to develop the four core skills necessary to language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Through this process, pupils will also learn about the different cultures of the countries. It is hoped that pupils will become confident and effective users of the languages studied.

All pupils are exposed to both German and French initially. Some pupils will continue to study both languages, while others will specialise in one.

The department is fortunate to have a number of foreign nationals among its staff, giving the department an international flavour.

The department is extremely well resourced. There are six modern and spacious classrooms for language teaching, situated in the brand new Isaac Newton block. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and one classroom is equipped with a full set of 30 computers. The latter enables access to IT materials accompanying courses, as well as sites to which the department subscribes.

The department employs full-time Languages Assistants for both French and German. These native speakers hold classes with small groups of pupils in years 12 and 13 as well as assisting with classes in Key Stages 3 and 4. There is a separate room for classes with the assistants and this room also holds the department's library of resources for use by mainly sixth from students. This includes a size able collection of foreign language DVDs, Cd's and books.