Modern Languages

French Luxury Goods Lecture

On Tuesday 31^st of February, after school, French students ranging from Year 10 to Year 13 had the pleasure to attend Mrs Greenwood`s lecture about the famous French luxury goods business conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (MHLV) whose chairman, Mr Bernard Arnault is the richest man in Europe and the 4^th in the world, just behind Bill Gates.

Mrs Greenwood had the privilege to work for this group for 8 years and gave us a rare insight into the workings of such a huge enterprise employing more around 83500 people around the world and marketing  prestigious brands such as Fendi, Marc Jacob, Givenchy, Dior, Bulgari, Guerlain, TAG Heuer, De Beers and many more. Secrets of their success were revealed such as the fact that every luxury fashion item is handmade in France (apart from some new world wines) and that instead of selling the previous year`s collections cheaply, they simply destroy everything which is not up to date in order to keep the high value of their luxury products. It is not unusual to have to go on a waiting list to be able to get hold of the newest collections, including wines and spirits like Château Yquem , Veuve Clicquot champagne and Hennessy cognac.

Who knows, one day some of our girls might choose to do work experience or even work for this prestigious group, so keep up your French…

Language Lunch Time Talk

It is not often you meet a man who speaks over a dozen languages fluently, and for any student with a passion for learning languages, this was a truly inspirational lecture. Even before the talk began, we witnessed Adrian Bullock explain his coffee preferences to Dr Liu in Mandarin, greet Mrs Solovyova in Russian and engage in animated conversation with Madame Harskin in French. Then followed a highly interactive discussion, as Mr Bullock explained the history of linguistics and how this explains the metaphorical aspect of many of the words we use today. In the small space of an hour, we became aware of the importance to simply have confidence and try things out, to adopt the persona of the people of the language and to step out of our comfort zone.  Following Mr Bullock’s gripping tale of arriving at the dangerous Greek-Turkish border knowing only one word of Turkish, we discovered the importance of taking a leap of faith when speaking languages abroad and the unexpected rewards it can bring in the form of new friends, opportunities, experiences, and if nothing else, great stories for the grandchildren.

Spanish Literature Inspired Cake

The Y13 Spanish group have clearly been so inspired by the play they are studying (Federico García Lorca’s Bodas de Sangre) that two of them felt compelled to make a cake that depicted the main themes of the play: the yellow and white flowers (edible!) represent death and purity, Muerte (Death) is cheerfully spelt out in icing, and the fake blood and the knife need no further explanation. Thanks to Izzie Daggitt and Libby Scott for their highly imaginative (and delicious) cake – we all enjoyed it!

Mandarin Chinese Trip to London – February 2011

On 17^th February the Year 9 and 10 Mandarin classes went on a trip to London for the Chinese Lantern Festival.  Our first stop was the Victoria and Albert Museum, where we went to an exhibition of Chinese Robes from the Qing dynasty.  This was the first time that these robes, which had been worn in Beijing’s Forbidden City by China’s Emperors and Empresses, had been exhibited in England, so it was a real privilege to be able to go to see them.  It was fascinating to learn about the different purposes of all these clothes and about the lives of all the interesting people that wore them.  Once both groups had had a chance to look through the exhibition, as well as the Asian rooms elsewhere in the museum, we drove off to Chinatown.  There we were given time to explore the area, experience a taste of a traditional Chinese street along with shops, restaurants and the various sights and smells that accompanied them.  We learnt lots about more modern Chinese culture, and the visit was made even more special by the beautiful rows of lanterns strung from building to building in honour of the festival.  Many of us purchased souvenirs here, including lucky charms and ‘dragon beard’ candy.  For dinner, we went to the Golden Pagoda Restaurant, where we experienced a variety of scrumptious traditional Chinese food and drink. The complimentary Jasmine Tea (hua cha) went down very well along with noodles, egg-fried rice, dim sum, sticky buns and more. 

The yuan xiao (traditional Chinese New Year sweet dumplings) and deep-fried tofu weren’t to everyone’s taste; but on the whole the meal and lively conversation were very much enjoyed! This trip was a wonderful experience, and we thank Mrs Pan and Dr Liu for organising it.

French Day 2011

The theme for the French Day this year was impressionism (23^rd November 2011). Following on from their lecture at the Courtauld Institute, our Year 13 French students started the festivities with an assembly about the representation of women by impressionist painters like Degas and Manet. Other activities about impressionism were organised in all the French classes (quizzes, word searches, painting, display of famous paintings in the Crush Hall) and we were particularly pleased with the visit of all our Year 6 pupils from the Junior School who came to lecture our Year 8 and 9 classes about many famous impressionist painters through very impressive power points they had spent a lot of time preparing. As a reward, they could enjoy the delicious French lunch which was provided by the catering staff at the Senior School. Also at lunchtime, Dr Goergen (who had already made a successful talk last month on the evolution of French literature in the 19^th and 20^th centuries) gave us the pleasure of an insightful lecture into the underlying structures of French culture. Dr Goergen emphasized the patrician structure of French culture, oligarchical organisation, and illustrated the importance of Paris in the definition of French cultural production. He also underlined the linguistic nature of cultural hierarchies in France. This exhaustive overview of some of the most singular traits of French culture gave  new insight to our pupils, and opened new areas of interest for our teaching. We are most grateful to Dr Goergen for his enthusiastic talk and do hope to have the pleasure to hear him again soon.

Why don`t you try your hand at the word search. You should find the names of 12 famous impressionist painters: Allez-y!

Mme S Harskin/Mlle C Le Bihan

Year 13 Visit to French Art Galleries

On Wednesday, October 19^th, the A2 French classes, accompanied by Mme. Liebrecht and Mme. Harskin, travelled to London to study French paintings, in French. At the Courtauld Institute, our excellent lecturer gave an introduction to the Impressionist movement and a detailed interpretation of several works in the collection, including Manet’s ‘Déjeuner sur l’herbe’. The girls were intrigued and inspired, as their questions and observations made clear. Invited to give presentations on paintings of their choice, they impressed the lecturer and their teachers with their eloquence and enthusiasm. A short walk along the Strand allowed the group to explore the Impressionist rooms of The National Gallery at leisure, before returning to Oxford… still speaking French!

“Perspectives Françaises” French Lectures

As part of the “Perspectives Françaises” French lectures, the department would like to thank Dr Maxime Goergen (currently lecturer in 19th Century French literature at Boulder University, Colorado) for his inspiring lecture on the evolution of French society and literature from the 18th until the 21st century which took place after school on Wednesday 5th October. It was a lot to cover in about one hour, but he made it very clear and entertaining for the group of French students from Year 11 to Year 13. It was fascinating to discover how much events in French history had influenced its literature; our girls asked some challenging questions.

One of the remarkable points that I will remember is that the rise of the novel and prose writing in the 19th century meant that everybody had a voice and were treated as equals, as there were no more social class differences for heroes.

We will have the pleasure to meet Dr Goergen again for French Day on 23rd November as he has kindly agreed to do another lecture for the French students.

13 Reasons to visit Russia

Alisha and Annabel:

During the Easter holidays, a group of 13 Oxford High girls, alongside Mrs Solovyova and Miss Burton, began the journey to the curious and far away land of Russia.

Not long after touching down at Domodedovo airport in Moscow, where the number of Russian men in leather jackets and caps was suspiciously high, we were whisked off, admittedly with some apprehension, to our respective families for a weekend that would prove to be very cultural indeed.

Throughout our stay, we went on various “excursions” as a group including Kuskovo Museum Estate, a tour of Moscow and the Space Museum, where they were preparing for the launch of the “Yuri Gagarin” Rocket to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the first man in space. We thought our trip was a life time changing experience so here are our 13 reasons to visit this amazing country.

Reason 1 by Laura: to tour around Moscow and gasp at the beauty of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Red Square

On the fourth day of our visit and our second proper excursion (Tuesday), we arrived early at school in order to begin our bus tour of Moscow. After various adventures and mishaps, including some members of the group leapfrogging across the Red Square, and all of us bar two falling asleep during the bus tour guide’s monotonous rambling lectures, we were eventually delivered safely back to our respective Russians.

Reason 2 by Flo: to find out first hand what the Russians think of us, the British

One of the things that surprised me about Russia was how my exchange’s family were adamant that England stopped at 5 o’clock for tea and in their own words ‘biscwits’. That added to the very frequent questions ‘are you comfortable?’ and ‘are you hungry?’.

Reason 3 by Mrs Solovyova: to brush up your translation skills

…and find out that you can find a drum in a Russian church!

Reason 4 by Daisy: to try the REAL Russian food

Although Russian food was surprisingly tasty, there were a lot of dubious dairy products on offer. We had lots of chocolate-covered-cheese for our lunchtimes, although the breakfasts were the suspicious ones – I was given what I thought was a slab of butter one morning, but apparently it was some kind of cottage cheese…

Reason 5 by Ms Burton: To learn a new language…in Maths!

Finding out that the international language of mathematics is not so international after all.

Reason 6 by Eva: to attend a Russian lesson and learn the basics of self defence

We were all disheartened when we found out we had to attend a Russian lesson, rumoured to be Physics. But when we were lead to the classroom, a large room with big mats on the floor and tall, heavy-built Russians lined up (I assumed ready to tackle us to the ground), everybody did feel slightly more anxious. That is until Aleksander, a teacher at the school, cried out “Who wants to try on the fireman costume?” and brought out all sorts of uniform, guns and all. It turns out we were attending a “Security” lesson, as it is compulsory for all Russian men to take part in the army for a short while. In one corner we had some resuscitation going on, in another Becky and I were dressing up and in another Mrs Solovyova and Miss Burton were posing for pictures with guns in both arms. We all agreed we needed this sort of lesson in our school, as crawling in mud in CCF somehow isn’t anywhere as glamorous.

Reason 7 by Becky: to go shopping and dining po-russki

We were always taken to random restaurants and coffee shops.

Reason 8 by Izzi: to see the breathtaking ice skating show and live in a palace for a day

On the first Sunday, when we were reunited with fellow English speakers, we were taken to an Ice Show. We spent the two hours near to tears at how beautiful the ice skaters were, and whispering to each other how we would learn to ice skate just like them upon our return. The following weekend was another opportunity for similar soul searching, as we went to a party in Sophie’s Russian’s palace. As the evening wore on and we got more and more sleepy, we retired to the guesthouse which, in itself, was the size of a large house.

Reason 9 by Georgia: to see Moscow by night and gain skills on overcoming hunger…

I was fortunate enough to have a night tour of Moscow with my partner and his family. Admittedly it was from 11PM to 5AM, but I’ll never forget when it began snowing in Red Square at 2 in the morning outside the lit up GUM store. Another memory of Russia regards Irina, one of the Russian teachers at the school, who was awfully fond of the phrase “Come on girls, let’s go to our next excursion” and “Take the pies, girls, you’ll die of hunger”, whilst forcing pies into bags.

Reason 10 by Molly: to take a train down the most beautiful underground in the world

For many of our excursions we took the Russian metro, where each station is different, with shiny marble floors and huge hanging lamps, and often there are memorials and mosaics in the stations), and we were told that we would have to get on and off very quickly within about 10 seconds because the doors close quickly and once they are closed they don’t open again. There are 15 of us. 15 polite British women who like to queue… 15 people against the 6.5 million Russians that want to get to work on time…

Reason 11 by Immy: to experience the true Russian hospitality and get to dance like never before!

Visiting Kolmenskoe Estate, we were treated to a show about Russian Hospitality. All 15 of us were ushered into the ‘Honey Barn’ were fed blinis and tea, all of which we expected. What came as a surprise however was when they asked for someone to dress up as a Russian man! Naturally, I was the first to volunteer. Five minutes later saw me dressed up in woollen striped trousers, a train driver’s cap and a pipe and re-enacting our ‘Single Ladies’ dance, and, although I specifically asked for that most shameful of moments never to be documented, my wishes were ignored (and I believe there’s a video!).

Reason 12 by Sophie: to live like a Russian celebrity

It isn’t often that you drive through a cemetery to get to your exchange’s house. The first night I arrived, I was collected in a black car with blacked out windows, with a driver who I later discovered was a bodyguard. I became steadily more terrified as we slowly left Moscow behind, even more so when we drove past a guarded checkpoint. Driving through the cemetery I became convinced that my exchange visit was going to follow the plot of a horror film, when passing through yet another guarded checkpoint and onto a small country road looping through a wood. Eventually we arrived at a large gate, guarded by a German Shepherd and two guards. After arriving at my partner’s house, I discovered that she did not live in a stereotypical Russian flat, instead living in a mini palace. Marble, gold leaf and columns were a prevalent feature in the house, complete with a full length indoor swimming pool, and tiger skin rug – with the head attached.

Reason 13 by Flora: to have the memories that will stay with you forever!

Russia was a truly remarkable experience for all of us and an unforgettable one at that too!

Italian Exchange 2011

All the Italian students in Y 12 and Y 13 took part in a trip to Italy during the first part of the Italian Exchange.

During our stay as guests of the Liceo Classico- Linguistico “Carlo Botta” in Ivrea (Turin), we were welcomed very warmly by both the school and the host families. At school the girls had the opportunity to sit in classes with their hosts and were then offered two special lectures on Dante’s “Hell” and Leonardo’s “Last Supper”.

Our trips included visiting Turin. This city, having been the first Capital of the Unified Italy and the instigator of the Unification, was particularly beautiful as it celebrated the 150 years of Italy’s Unification. Here we visited the Museum of Cinema, which is always great fun in its impressive and very interactive installation.

We also travelled to Milan where we enjoyed some “window shopping” and strolling in the Galleria before visiting the Duomo. After a brief trip by underground, we marvelled at Leonardo’s “Last Supper”.

We also visited the Italian Alps and reached 3,461 metres on Monte Bianco (the Italian side of Mont Blanc). The weather was fantastic and we sunbathed at 2,200 metres while enjoying sublime views all around us. The girls had a short walk on the snow and greatly enjoyed a thick hot chocolate. On the way back to Ivrea we stopped at one of the many castles nestled in the Aosta valley.

Blessed by very hot and sunny weather each girl spent a special weekend with the host families and on the way back to the airport we were entertained by a visit to a newly restored castle (Venaria Reale) which inspired some of the architecture in Versailles.

Linguistically the girls had a unique opportunity to practise their oral and aural skills ahead of their exams, but they also had an invaluable direct experience of what life is like in a different country, the kind of experience which only an exchange can offer.

We are now planning an equally pleasant visit for the Italian students who will be at OHS during the last week of June.

Year 10 visit to Angers, France

After an early morning start from OHS, twenty-eight Year 10 girls accompanied by Mme Harskin, Dr Rushton and Melle Le Bihan set off for a home stay visit to Angers in Maine et Loire (France). Right from the beginning the sun shone, but little did we know we would have temperatures between 25-28 C, with a limpid blue sky throughout the week. Every morning the girls had 3 hours tuition in the French secondary school called Collège Immaculée Conception and had fun making friends with French pupils at morning break. The girls were very happy with their French families and many tears were shed when they had to say “au revoir” at the end of their stay. Many fun activities were organised in the afternoons, amongst which visits to the Château d`Angers and the Château de Brissac and a fun ride on a little train around the Old Angers where the girls were more than happy to practise their French greetings to the surprised passersby were included. When we visited one of the oldest surviving mills from the Maine et Loire, the girls learnt how to make their own bread and some of them had a competition to see who could eat the most “Foué”, a local delicacy that looks a little like pitta bread and can have sweet or savoury fillings (one managed to eat 10!). The troglodyte village was also quite an attraction and was followed by yummy crêpes at a local gîte. Of course, the highlight was once again the day spent at Futuroscope, where the girls enjoyed a number of 3D and 4D rides and could also enjoy the beautiful sunshine. It was quite a busy week altogether and a very good way for the girls to improve their oral skills.

Mme Harskin (Head of Modern Languages/French)