Modern Languages
It is a common misconception that everyone speaks English. A large proportion of the tourist resorts in Europe and further afield has staff who are able to communicate the basics in several languages but 94% of the world cannot speak English and indeed have never heard it spoken. Everybody in every corner of the world has their own traditions and way of life, identity and language of which they are quite rightly proud. We promote, at every opportunity, the benefits of tolerance, understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
We teach many students who already speak a different language at home; have family that live abroad; intend to travel or live abroad later in life or have career aspirations that involve languages. Equally, we teach many students who do not know that languages in one form or another will be part of their future. We advocate very strongly the need for our students to think ahead and consider that languages may very well feature in the path they intend to follow, be it directly or indirectly.
Our Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Our key aims for year 7, 8 and 9 are to both develop the foundational vocabulary, grammar and understanding of how to communicate in French alongside longer term thinking regarding the preparation for more advanced study in Year 10 at GCSE level and beyond.
Key Stage 4
We study the new GCSE via Pearson / Edexcel designed to be more appropriate for modern students and modern demands of reading, listening and speaking French. Whilst we still have a number of students completing their GCSE Spanish studies, we will move consolidate the work of the department in one direction, to a have greater focus and intention around deeper understanding of French and develop capacity for students to study a language throughout Key Stage 4 and 5.
Key Stage 5
There is opportunity to study French into Key Stage 5 for those students who wish to deepen understanding in preparation for employing language skills beyond their school days. This study tends to be in small focused cohorts providing intensive support from the expert teacher to stretch and challenge individuals who might choose this path.
Useful Weblinks
French
Pearson / Edexcel French Specification
Pearson / Edexcel French Vocab List
Spanish Specification and Glossary