In an increasingly Globalised World, the ability to communicate in another language is an advantageous and desirable skill. We aim to build on this through further study of either French or Spanish. Our vision is to develop enthusiastic learners who are proficient in the key skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, and to broaden their multicultural awareness as a foundation to their success in education and beyond. This affords students the opportunity to build on their prior learning from KS2 or to start a completely new language-learning journey. Our curriculum provides students with the skills, knowledge and cultural capital they need to help ensure they are prepared for life, with a sound awareness of the world around them and the opportunities awaiting them.
During Year 7, students will focus on the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing in the target language. Students will also practise translating from the target language into English and from English into the target language. Homework will include regular learning of new topic vocabulary.
The topics they will study include:
- Transition – a taster of both French and Spanish and the opportunity to choose which language they would like to learn
- All about me
- My family
- Free Time
- Where I live (house and home)
- School
During Year 8, students will focus on the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing in the target language. Students will also practise translating from the target language into English and from English into the target language. Homework will include regular learning of new topic vocabulary.
The topics they will study include:
- Holidays
- Film and cinema
- Food and arranging to go out
- Town
- Future Plans
Students will also benefit from using websites including:
Subject name – Modern Foreign Languages – Spanish and French
Exam board and course title – Edexcel – GCSE French and Spanish Grades 9-1
Type of Course – GCSE 9-1
Method of assessment – 100% exam, 4 components, Listening, Speaking, Reading and writing. (25% each)
What topics will we cover? – 5 themes – The five themes are:
- Identity and culture
- Local area, holiday and travel
- School
- Future aspirations, study and work
- International and global dimension
What skills will we develop in this subject? – Listening, speaking, reading and writing are the four main skills that are developed. Through the course you will also develop communication skills, deeper understanding of extended language in a wide range of contexts, cultural awareness, thinking skills responding to a rich range of authentic spoken and written materials.
What could my next steps be in this subject? Students who are awarded grades 9 to 6, would be well prepared for study at A Level.
What careers will this help me with? – Any! More specific language related careers include translation and interpretation, teaching, international relationships, working for the government, private national and international companies, sales and buying, travel and tourism, to name but a few. Students who study a foreign language to GCSE level can obtain the English Baccalaureate. Additionally, those who fluently speak a second language are more employable and research shows that on average obtain higher earnings.