Modern Languages
Head of Department: Miss S. Webb
The Modern Languages syllabus is designed to enable students to develop the skills they need in order to become independent language learners. Students are encouraged to think about grammatical structure and experiment with language, developing an awareness which may enhance their literacy skills and increase performance across the curriculum. Lessons focus on enabling students to communicate in the target language with increasing confidence and fluency as they progress through the School, their skill levels being assessed through the use of National Curriculum levels.
Students study Spanish from Year 7 and the emphasis is on acquiring key vocabulary and beginning to recognise patterns.
From Year 8, the majority of students study two modern foreign languages. Three combinations are possible: Spanish-French, Spanish-German or French-German.
At the end of Year 9, students opt to study one language to GCSE level. The School offers French, German and Spanish as optional subjects. The most able students may wish to consider studying two languages and this option can, of course, be discussed and arranged. Students are given opportunities to take part in trips to France, Germany and/or Spain in Years 10 and 11, enabling them to develop their use of the target language.
ICT is an essential tool in the delivery of the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum. MFL staff regularly research suitable internet materials and incorporate them into lesson plans and schemes of work. A number of educational sites are used to provide language games and activities as well as supplying up to date information about foreign culture.
It is increasingly important that students leave school with the ability to speak at least one European language. Our aim is to reward achievement and encourage success, thereby creating confident and motivated learners.
