Languages

As a Languages Department we believe in the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum. The aim of the curriculum is to provide access to modern language learners of all abilities. Modern Foreign Languages are offered at KS3, KS4 and KS5 within the normal school day. Languages are compulsory at KS3 and optional at KS4 and 5. The department is also committed to the enrichment of other aspects of the school curriculum through MFL and International dimension initiatives.
Our results speak for themselves.
Last year 83% of our students gained A* to C in French and 76% of students achieved the same in Spanish. A good number of our students achieve level 6 at the end of KS3 and we are working hard to increase that number and the number who choose to take it at KS4 this year.

The Team

Head of Languages - Mrs A Day
Teacher of French and Spanish - Mrs S Hallmark
Teacher of French and Spanish - Miss C Boughtflower
Teacher of Languages - Miss S Fernandez

Key Stage Three and Four

• In year 7 students take 5 lessons of French per 2 week timetable.
• In year 8 students either take 2 lessons of Spanish and 3 lessons of French or have 5 full lessons of French.
• In year 9 students either take 3 lessons of Spanish and 2 lessons of French or have 5 full lessons of French
• We aim to teach in an interactive way and fun way, using ICT and other resources to use language in real life situations
• We use games, drama and project work to engage students at KS3
• We use the target language when appropriate and encourage students to use the same
• We use Assessment for Learning techniques to assess students progress
• We aim to keep students informed of the level at which they are performing and how they can improve to move up to the next level.

Extracurricular Activities

• Spanish Club starting after half term with Mrs Hallmark
• GCSE booster and masterclass sessions on Wednesdays after school with Mrs Day and Miss Boughtflower
• Language Celebration Days such as European Day of Languages and Spring Day in Europe
• A Global Christmas celebrated with our International borders
• French Film club for our A level students
• Trips and visits to UK based language experiences such as the Philip Allen revision sessions in London and Foreign Film visits
• Trips abroad to France and Spain
• Spanish e mail exchange for years 9 and 10 - working towards a real exchange next year! Watch this space!

Useful Revision Links

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/
French A Level:
www.laits.utexas.edu/tex//
http://www.zut.org.uk//
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/
http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/
http://www.bonjourdefrance.com/
http://www.professeurphifix.net/