The Russian Department is responsible for the teaching of Russian from Form Two upwards. Through the study of Russian, students are taught listening, speaking, reading comprehension and writing skills.

STAFF

• Mrs T. McCrum Head of Russian
• Mrs A.A. Kennedy

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

The main text books used for Russian are Novaya Iskra to GCSE, Tranzit and Kompass at AS and A2 levels. Use is made at all levels of a range of audiovisual materials and subject specific ICT packages. The Internet is regularly used to access background information. Notes for pupils are placed on the Learning Resources area of the College’s computer network.

CURRICULUM

Emphasis is placed on a thorough knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Selected Russian prose and poetry writers are introduced for study in the original at AS and A2 levels and an appreciation of literature is greatly encouraged. At A level students also study different aspects of Russian society and culture. Source based and analytical essay writing skills are fostered at all levels.

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS AND EXCHANGES

	Images courtesy of http://www.bestofrussia.ca/index.html

An educational trip is held every 3-4 years to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The purpose of the trip is to learn more about Russian culture and language. The trip is open to all forms. The Russian Department also runs a yearly school exchange with a Russian speaking school in Riga, Latvia. The exchange is open to all forms. The school exchange develops not only pupils’ linguistic but also social skills, which greatly add to their career opportunities in the future.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

The Russian Department runs two clubs (Junior and Senior). The Junior Russian Club is open to pupils in Forms Two, Three and Four. The club meets on a monthly basis to allow those who study Russian to get to grips with grammar and also to pursue particular areas of interest.

The Senior Russian Club meets on a weekly basis in the autumn term to discuss aspects of Russian literature, history and contemporary politics. This club is particularly useful for those who wish to apply to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge. It also gives the students the opportunity to practise their interview skills.