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• ​Faculty Leader: Ms V Lopez

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Languages offered: French, German and Spanish

 

Aims:

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All pupils to have the opportunity to become proficient in a modern foreign language and foster their natural curiosity for language learning. 

 

To successfully undertake GCSE qualifications and have an option to progress to A levels.

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To be well prepared for the employment, travel and or university opportunities that require language skills.

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At Key Stage 3

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• Pupils will have two lessons per week in French, German or Spanish.

• They will be able to continue with this language into GCSE and beyond.

• Pupils who speak English as an additional language are also encouraged to take a GCSE in their first language*, where possible (*where available).

• The Department follows the ‘Active Learning’ assessment program which provides a good understanding of the basics of the language and allows progression into GCSE / KS4.

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At Key Stage 4

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• Pupils have 3 lessons per week in their opted language. 

• The Qualification offered is GCSE Edexcel in French/German/Spanish. 

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Assessment: 

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​Examination has four components: 25% Listening, 25% Speaking, 25% Reading, 25% Writing.

There are 4 examinations taken at the end of the course and each can be taken at Higher or Foundation level.

The five themes studied in each language GCSE are:

●  Identity and culture

●  Local area, holidays and travel

●  The School environment

●  Future aspirations study and work

● International and global dimensions

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Please follow the link to our Assessment policy for a more detailed insight into the levels, context and assessment types.

 

Homework:

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Pupils will have homework set every week and it is expected to be completed in their homework books.  The homework will target learning through self-quizzing vocabulary strategies as well as grammatical and cultural work.  The homework is intended to support classroom learning and also to promote research skills as well as engender a curiosity for the subject.

More extended homework tasks are often set on ‘Active Learning’ and ‘Linguascope’ which pupils who are given a log in and password for as they require them.

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The best way to support your child is to:

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• Check their planner to ensure that all tasks are completed by the due date shown.

• Help them with vocabulary learning and self-quizzing techniques

• Talk to your child about the topic they are studying and what new learning they have gained.

• Encourage your child to have an interest in the countries that the language is spoken

• Be brave and try to engage with them in the language they are studying!

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Also please see the link attached for a more comprehensive guide on ‘How to help your child revise and achieve’ and resources where you can find links to the EDEXEL website, other revision websites as well as tips on how to progress in language learning.

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Extra Curricular:

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We offer support after school to all pupils either with Homework or exam preparation every Monday in our ‘Language Lab’ club.  

We also organise trips to Universities for languages workshops and trips abroad to France, Germany and Spain to encourage pupils to learn about the culture of the language that they are learning.