Modern Foreign Languages
The Languages Department aims to produce confident, capable and articulate linguists who can work independently in their Speaking and Writing with a range of vocabulary, tenses and complex structures.
Our students are able to express opinions and offer justifications. Learning is themed around real world topics and issues which gradually introduces increasingly complex levels of language to stretch and challenge students.
The majority of students at KS4 continue with a language. Students are provided with a well-planned and challenging curriculum. High expectations set the tone in lessons. Pupils are expected to learn from their mistakes and are constantly encouraged to do so. Students are able to achieve and be successful in lessons. We celebrate the achievements of our linguists because learning a language is a great achievement.
Curriculum team
Mrs Henderson Curriculum lead –French/German
Mr Rhodes Teacher of French /Spanish
Mrs Carlosama Teacher of French/Spanish
Mrs Howarth Teacher of French /German/Italian
Key stage 3 topics
In year 7 all pupils have 5 lessons per fortnight of French.
In Year 8 pupils start to study German for 3 hours a fortnight and French for 2 hours. In Year 9, pupils opt to continue with either French or German.
The majority of pupils continue to study a language at KS4 as part of the English Baccalaureate.
|
|
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Year 7 |
Introduction to French Alphabet/sounds Numbers 1-31 Age/birthday Siblings Likes/dislikes Descriptions ASSESSMENT |
School Colours Time Subjects Clothes School day Schools France/UK ASSESSMENT |
Hobbies Weather/seasons Sports Online activities Asking questions |
Myself Animals Numbers 1-100 Family members Descriptions Food (breakfast) Bastille Day
|
My area Places in town Invitations Food (cafeteria)
|
Weather Activities Monuments in Paris ASSESSMENT |
|
Year 8 |
Holiday Destinations (countries, locations) Holiday activities Holiday disasters
ASSESSMENT |
Celebrations Festivals Special days Food Future trip New Years’ celebrations
|
Hobbies TV programmes/movie genre Invitations to the cinema Leisure activities Shopping |
My area Locations+ countries Weather Area description Chores Daily routine/time French regions
|
Daily routine/time French regions
|
Sports Talking about sports Asking the way and giving directions Talking about injuries and illness ASSESSMENT |
Year 9
|
Theme 1 Talking about getting on with others Describing family and friens Talking about future relationships Social media Technology ASSESSMENT |
Theme 1 Free Time Eating out Sports Celebrations Traditons Describing an event ASSESSMENT |
Speaking booklet Ideal answer Theme 1 Photo card Roleplay ASSESSMENT |
Key stage 4 topics
The new GCSE specification is split into 3 themes.
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Topic 1: Me, my family and friends
- Topic 2: Technology in everyday life
- Topic 3: Free-time activities
- Topic 4: Customs and festivals in French-speaking or German-speaking countries/communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest:
- Topic 1: Home, town, neighbor hood and region
- Topic 2: Social issues
- Topic 3: Global issues
- Topic 4: Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment covers the following four topics:
- Topic 1: My studies
- Topic 2: Life at school/college
- Topic 3: Education post-16
- Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions
GCSE assessment
GCSE French and German have a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9).
Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. Each paper is worth 25% of GCSE.
Paper 1: Listening
Listening is by examination and includes questions that must be answered in English, in the target language or non-verbally.
Paper 2: Speaking
Speaking is conducted by the teacher and includes a role-play, a discussion on a photo card and a general conversation.
Paper 3: Reading
Reading is by examination and includes questions that must be answered in English, in the target language or non-verbally, as well as a translation from the target language to English.
Paper 4: Writing
Writing is by examination and includes writing a short passage, a structured writing task and a translation from English to the target language.
Wider curriculum
- KS4 Immersion trip to Château de la Baudonnière, Normandy
- KS3 trip to Paris. Staying in a purpose-built youth centre, this trip will take in all the major tourist attractions of Paris, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, Sacré Coeur, Versailles as well as one day at Eurodisney!!
Close