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Languages

The study of Modern Languages challenges students to communicate in another language and think in new ways, it inspires a love of language learning and an intellectual curiosity about how language can both influence and be influenced by a diversity of culture.

Our intent is to create independent life-long language learners who can use their knowledge and skills to continue to learn languages, communicate across cultures and enjoy the intellectual challenge beyond their time with us.

Languages

KS3

What Will I Study?

Students choose to study either French or Spanish in Year 7. In Year the curriculum builds upon the foundations of language learning introduced in KS2 and introduces metacognitive approaches, so students begin to understand How they learn languages and the value of language learning. Topics focus on talking about your life and expressing yourself.

Students continue to study this language in Year 8 where the topics cover talking about free time, travel and tourism and food. The focus is strongly on Listening and Speaking in full sentences – right from Lesson One! This approach then translates to Reading and Writing and ensure learners have confidence in their spoken and written language and use authentic pronunciation and are accurate in their written language.


How Will I Be Assessed?

Students will have the opportunity to take part in food tasting, European Week of Languages, Careers lessons and throughout lessons students will learn about French and Spanish cultures and festivals. Our regular European Film Club session are also very popular! We also run a very successful Challenge Week trip to Brittany (Isle de Batz / Morlaix) and have e-pal links with schools in Spain and France to ensure students have an authentic experience communicating with peers in French / Spanish.



KS4

What Will I Study?

We follow the AQA GCSE French / Spanish course.

Student can opt to study either GCSE French or Spanish in Years 9 –11. In Year 9 the curriculum builds on the skills developed in KS2 / KS3 and revisits some topics in greater detail whilst also introducing new topic and linguistic concepts. The focus is on GCSE Theme 1 – Identity and Culture and further developing metacognitive approaches so that learners understand how building on and embedding prior knowledge is key to success.

Students continue to study either GCSE French or Spanish. In Year 10 the curriculum focus is on spontaneity and independence so as to achieve our aim of creating independent life-long learners. All three GCSE themes are interleaved and prior knowledge is integral to any new vocab areas or linguistic concepts. Students are prepared for what GCSE success looks like – both at their target grade and beyond.

Students continue to study either GCSE French or Spanish. In Year 11 the curriculum focus continues to revisit prior knowledge and skills but with a systematic emphasis on how to apply these to exam specific tasks so that they achieve excellent results in valued GCSE qualifications. Mixed ability teaching in KS4 allows students to develop beyond their target grades before decisions are made about tiering (towards end of Y11).


How Will I Be Assessed?

What methods will be used to assess work, when are key assessment points? etc.

In Y9 and Y10 there are fours key assessment points which are aligned with our learning cycles. This includes a full mock at the end of Year 10. Key Assessments comprise listening and reading exam questions, and a mixture of writing assessments to include translation and 40/90/150 word writing questions. Speaking assessments alternate between Roleplay / Photo Card and General Conversation questions.

In Y11 assessment focuses on continuous rigorous assessment of ALL Skills – Listening / Reading / Speaking / Writing and mirror GCSE exam papers (or parts of papers). These are identified through question level analysis of key assessments and mocks.

There are two Speaking Mocks (December and March) and 3 x Reading, Listening, Writing Mocks in Exam Conditions. (November / January / March).


Other Languages Experiences

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” ‒Nelson Mandela

Immersing our students in language and culture enriches their knowledge not only of their chosen language but also of the world around them. Our curriculum covers cultural topics such as Festivals and Customs in France / Spain, Debates on controversial issues (Bullfighting / La Voile) and a Y9 Challenge Week trip to Brittany (Isle de Batz / Morlaix)

At GCSE we have debates on environmental impact of tourism, the pros and cons of differing school systems and ensure students can talk about a range of Social issues including the role of charities and volunteering and Homelessness and Poverty in both the UK and French and Spanish speaking countries.

KS5

No Course Available

A-Level

No Course Available

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