KS3 & 4 Modern Languages
Language Skills are for Life
Language ability is a lifelong skill which enhances people’s professional and personal lives. Studying a language also helps students to increase their understanding of different cultures, current events and the day to day lives of others.
Our Approach
We believe visiting the country of the language students are learning is an integral part of learning a language. Students study both French and Spanish in KS3. In KS4 students may choose to study French, Spanish or both languages to GCSE. In KS5 students may select to study Italian as part of their IB qualification.
Key Stage 3
Both French and Spanish are taught in set groups, and are compulsory for all students at KS3. We concentrate on development of vocabulary and grammar, and help students gain the confidence to communicate simple concepts in conversation.
Key Stage 4
Languages are becoming an increasing popular choice across the ability range at GCSE. The course aims to develop the key listening, speaking, reading and writing skills relevant for the exams. The courses focus on topics such as lifestyle, health, leisure, holidays and the environment.
Trips
To encourage students to apply their skills, we take students:
For French:
- In Year 7 on a day trip to Boulogne
- In Year 8 students travel to Paris for a three-day residential cultural trip
- At KS4 Year 10 students have an opportunity to travel to Paris too.
For Spanish:
- At KS4 to Madrid for a residential
This additional support helps to develop each student’s language and communication skills as well as confidence in their chosen language.
Resources
In French we use the Dynamo 1 and Allez 1 textbooks at KS3, and Studio textbooks for GCSE.
In Spanish we use the Mira Express textbooks for KS3 and Viva textbooks for GCSE.
We hold weekly after School GCSE intervention classes for both French and Spanish.
GCSE Spanish (Optional)
|
Examination Subject |
Spanish |
|
Examination Qualification |
GCSE |
|
Examination Board |
AQA |
|
Tiers of Entry |
Foundation |
Aims of the Course:
The course aims to develop the skills you will have learnt in earlier years. These correspond to the four sections of the examination: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Throughout the course you will continue to build up your knowledge of Spanish grammar and vocabulary but in the context of the GCSE topics. The GCSE will be assessed by terminal examinations in the four skills as listed above, at the end of year 11.
You will need to develop a greater accuracy and depth of knowledge in the language especially to obtain the top grades. In the examination you will also have to translate texts from Spanish into English. You will be encouraged to work creatively and to use Spanish actively as much as possible in class. The GCSE aims in particular at giving students a firm grounding in all four skill areas so that students have the scope for further development of the language and to provide each student with the language skills necessary for a visit to a Spanish-speaking country.
Themes:
Theme 1: Identity & Culture
Topic 1: Me, my family and friends
- Relationships with family and friends
- Marriage/partnership
Topic 2: Technology and everyday life
- Social media
-
Mobile technology
- Topic 3: Free-time activities
- Music
- Cinema and TV
- Food and eating out
-
Sport
Topic 4: Customs and festivals in French – speaking countries / communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region
Topic 2: Social issues
- Charity / voluntary work
- Healthy / unhealthy living
Topic 3: Global issues
- The environment
- Poverty / homelessness
Topic 4: Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Topic 1: My studies
Topic 2: Life at school / college
Topic 3: Education post-16
Topic 3 Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Assessment of Course
Terminal examination: 25% listening, 25% speaking, 25% reading and 25% writing externally assessed at the end of Year 11
Progression from this examination:
IB / A Level in French
Degree in French or European Studies
Degree in French and Business Studies
Combine French with any other subject at degree level
Provides skills required to learn other languages
Will enable you to communicate with French speaking clients in the world of work
Invaluable if you wish to travel around the World
Careers Information:
As there are fewer students now studying languages across the country there will inevitably be a shortage of linguists entering the job market. Languages can open up horizons and a CV that offers French is essential in the Modern International World of trade. Language qualifications are viewed very favourably when applying for University and compulsory for most Red Brick Universities.
Further Information: See Mrs Kinney or any member of the MFL Department
GCSE French (Optional)
|
Examination Subject |
French |
|
Examination Qualification |
GCSE |
|
Examination Board |
AQA |
|
Tiers of Entry |
Foundation |
Aims of the Course:
The course aims to develop the skills you will have learnt in earlier years. These correspond to the four sections of the examination: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Throughout the course you will continue to build up your knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary but in the context of the GCSE topics. The GCSE will be assessed by terminal examinations in the four skills as listed above, at the end of year 11.
You will need to develop a greater accuracy and depth of knowledge in the language especially to obtain the top grades. In the examination you will also have to translate texts from French into English. You will be encouraged to work creatively and to use French actively as much as possible in class. The GCSE aims in particular at giving students a firm grounding in all four skill areas so that students have the scope for further development of the language and to provide each student with the language skills necessary for a visit to a French-speaking country.
Themes:
Theme 1: Identity & Culture
Topic 1: Me, my family and friends
- Relationships with family and friends
- Marriage/partnership
Topic 2: Technology and everyday life
- Social media
- Mobile technology
Topic 3: Free-time activities
- Music
- Cinema and TV
- Food and eating out
- Sport
Topic 4: Customs and festivals in French – speaking countries / communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region
Topic 2: Social issues
- Charity / voluntary work
- Healthy / unhealthy living
Topic 3: Global issues
- The environment
- Poverty / homelessness
Topic 4: Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Topic 1: My studies
Topic 2: Life at school / college
Topic 3: Education post-16
Topic 3 Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Assessment of Course
Terminal examination: 25% listening, 25% speaking, 25% reading and 25% writing externally assessed at the end of Year 11
Progression from this examination:
IB / A Level in French
Degree in French or European Studies
Degree in French and Business Studies
Combine French with any other subject at degree level
Provides skills required to learn other languages
Will enable you to communicate with French speaking clients in the world of work
Invaluable if you wish to travel around the World
Careers Information:
As there are fewer students now studying languages across the country there will inevitably be a shortage of linguists entering the job market. Languages can open up horizons and a CV that offers French is essential in the Modern International World of trade. Language qualifications are viewed very favourably when applying for University and compulsory for most Red Brick Universities.
Further Information: See Mrs Kinney or any member of the MFL Department