Modern Languages Department  

Staff

Ms Greenidge, Head of Modern Foreign Languages

Ms Moore, Head of Year 10

Location and Resources

The department is based on the 3rd floor of the main building in rooms A3.1 and A3.2.  Both rooms are resourced with interactive whiteboards.

Courses

French is taught from Year 7 to A level in U6.

Key Stage 3

During key stage 3 pupils begin to understand, speak, read and write in the target language. Pupils become familiar with the sounds, written form and grammar of the language, and use this knowledge with increasing competence to express themselves in role plays, conversations and  writing.  They also increase their cultural awareness by communicating with people who speak the language and by using materials from countries and communities where the language is spoken.

The year 7 course explores listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the following topics: language for greeting people, describing your family, where you live, telling the time, describing your town, asking for directions and saying what you do in your free time.  Pupils extend their reading and writing skills plus their ability to listen and speak in the target language.  The purpose of the course is to lay the foundations of the foreign language learning skills and understanding needed for all Key stages.

The year 9 course completes the study of a foreign language at key stage 3.  It involves the study of a variety of topics based on illnesses, leisure, holidays, giving opinions, describing films and programmes you watch on TV.  Students build on the knowledge and skills gained in Years 7 and 8 to gain an appreciation of learning a foreign language.  The purpose of the course is to extend the foreign language learning skills and understanding needed for further study of a foreign language.

Key Stage 4

At examination level the GCSE  pupils begin to use a modern foreign language more independently.  They adapt their use of the language according to context, purpose and audience.  They learn to understand a more extensive range of unfamiliar language by reading and listening to a variety of materials from countries and communities where the language is spoken.

The GCSE Course covers the Edexcel French GCSE specification

It aims to develop knowledge and understanding of language learning, building on the work covered at Key stage 3 in 11 units:

• Education
• Employment and training in the work place
• Home town and local area
• My family and my home
• Food
• Holidays
• Tourist information
• Shopping
• Leisure
• Entertainment and youth culture
• Health

Students will continue to develop the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Through coursework students develop the skills to research and work independently.

Key Stage 5

We are currently following the AQA French Syllabus. 

Students have 9 hours of French every fortnight in Key Stage 5, with homework set most lessons.

In the programme of study pupils extend their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills whilst engaging in opportunities for research and independent learning.  Topics cover a range of social, political and personal issues.