LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

French and Spanish

Introduction
A Modern Foreign Language is an optional component of the balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4. If you have studied only French this year, you may continue with it in Years 10 and 11 but if you have studied French and Spanish, you may:
  • Continue with French only
  • Continue with Spanish only
  • Continue with French and Spanish
For both languages the overall course objective is to empower pupils to communicate effectively with native speakers of French and Spanish. The course builds on the skills acquired at Key Stage 3, further developing pupils’ levels of competence in listening and reading comprehension, and in speaking and writing. Active participation in lessons continues to be of great importance and value. Regular reading, learning and writing homeworks are set and are vital to the successful completion of the course. Multi-media resources are used. Pupils have access to the Language Assistants and the Department aims to facilitate visits to France and Spain.
Themes & Topics Studied

In both French and Spanish the language tasks, vocabulary and grammatical structures are studied within the context of four themes that are further sub-divided into topics. The themes and topics are listed below.

My World Holiday
1A Self, Family and Friends
1B Interests and Hobbies
1C Home and Local Environment
1D Daily Routine
1E School and Future Plans (up to age 18)
Time & Travel

2A Travel, Transport and Finding the Way
2B Tourism
2C Accommodation
2D Holiday Activities
2E Services
Work & Lifestyle
3A Home Life
3B Healthy Living
3C Part-time Jobs and Work Experience
3D Leisure
3E Shopping
The Young Person in Society

4A Character and Personal Relationships
4B The Environment
4C Education
4D Careers and Future Plans [post age 18]
4E Social Issues, Choices and Responsibilities
Pupils learn to seek and give help, information and opinions, as well as to understand and to make reference to past, present and future events.

Assessment
External assessment is by three examinations in Listening, Speaking and Reading at both foundation and higher levels. Writing is assessed by coursework over the two years of the course.
Progression

Foreign Language skills are skills for life! Success at GCSE is a firm foundation for advanced study and future specialisation, or for learning a new language. Foreign Language skills enhance every pupil’s profile and improve prospects for further education, training and employment.

In the increasingly international world in which you will live and work, knowing how to learn a language will be of huge significance. So, approach language learning with energy, commitment and interest, and you will succeed!
Restrictions

You may only choose Spanish if you are already studying it; and it is possible to combine it with the study of French.
 
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