The subject explained
Languages
We believe that Modern Foreign Languages will encourage students to develop an awareness of, and a respect for languages and cultures other than their own and stimulate a positive attitude and mutual respect towards speakers of foreign languages. Students will also be encouraged to develop their understanding of themselves and their own culture and develop linguistic and social skills which will enable them to survive and succeed in both familiar and unfamiliar situations.
Every student in the Language department is expected to bring correct equipment and book to every lesson. It is their responsibility to keep their book and folder clean. Pupils are not expected to buy dictionaries for use in school, although this would help for homework. Homework is set once a week and often involves use of ICT to learn vocabulary.
The department is also linking up to international schools to share projects and experiences.
KS3 overview
In Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability groups in either German or Spanish, where they are initially assessed to gain a basic level of language competence. Regular assessments take place throughout Key Stage 3 in the following 4 strands, AT1 Listening, AT2 Speaking, AT3 Reading and AT4 Writing. Students continue to develop their skills during Year 8. Language lessons are fun packed and we use a lot of exciting interactive games to help the learning experience.
The main aims of language learning at Key Stage 3 are to develop:
- Linguistic competence
- Knowledge of Language
- Creativity
- Intercultural understanding
- Developing language-learning strategies
- Developing language skills
At the end of Year 9, students work towards an end of Key Stage assessment, which will be used to give a final level. The levels obtained are used to predict GCSE grades should students wish to continue. Tests usually include a written task and a speaking test. This varies from year to year, but could take the form of presenting a television show or a role play in a restaurant.
Pupils in year 9 are strongly advised to consider taking at least one Modern Foreign Language as this is highly regarded by employers, colleges and universities.
KS4 overview
German
At KS4 in German we follow the AQA syllabus based upon the National Curriculum Criteria for KS4 Modern Foreign Languages. The skills required for G.C.S.E. German are as follows:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
And there are four themes which need to be covered. These are:
- My World Holiday
- Time & Travel
- Work & Lifestyle
- The Young Person in Society
Within each skill area there are two tiers - Foundation Tier and Higher Tier. The minimum entry requirements are at foundation level and all candidates must be assessed in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
The maximum grade available for these candidates is GCSE Grade C. For the award of GCSE Grade B or above, candidates would have to take a combination of Higher and Foundation Tiers and for the very highest grade all Higher Tier papers would need to be taken. There are two schemes available, one of which has a final Writing Examination. The other scheme offers the possibility of coursework for the written element. This is the type of assessment which we normally cover and work is both internally and externally moderated. The final mark for this is combined with the Listening, Speaking and Reading marks to give a final grade.
We will be also offering a new NVQ German qualification next year.
Spanish
In Year 10 & 11 pupils can opt to study Spanish International Business NVQ. An NVQ is a work-based qualification usually aimed at adult learners.
Students build up a portfolio of work through out the course and it is this portfolio which will be assessed – there is no coursework and no exam. An NVQ is based around the National Language Standards. Students pass the qualification by showing that they have met each standard at least once. Because the NVQ is a work based qualification, students will be able to use all the reference materials they might use if they were using languages at work.
