Modern Foreign Languages
The modern foreign language faculty is located in a corridor close to The Swinton Globe and comprises five full time specialist language teachers.
Aims
The MFL faculty aims to promote effective communication in the foreign language itself as well as encourage a wider interest in language and culture.
What will I study?
At Key Stage 3 in French, pupils follow a course centred around the ‘Route Nationale’ books 1 and 2, whilst in Spanish, studies are centred around ‘Vaya’ books 1 and 2 as well. Both courses are lively, up-to-date and fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Whatever the linguistic vehicle, be it text book, cassette recordings, games, songs, television programmes, software material or links abroad, we aim to enthuse our pupils and make the learning of the language purposeful and fruitful.
“I like Spanish because it is fun and I like to learn Spanish words. Also, when I go to Spain I will be able to speak Spanish”
Louis Kabongo, Year 8
How will I study?
All pupils study French or Spanish as their foreign language up to the end of Year 9. From the outset, we put a great emphasis on developing fully the communicative skills of our pupils. Our youngsters are encouraged to use Spanish or French from the very first moment that they walk into the classroom and this encouragement is fuelled throughout the course. Members of the faculty endeavour to make the learning of the language an enjoyable experience and foster good learning habits at home.
How will I be monitored and assessed?
Our pupils are regularly assessed in the four skill areas of the language: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, covering aspects relating not only to their own interests and experiences, but involving greater insight into the civilisation of the French and Spanish speaking countries. This means that by the time they reach Key stage 4 and embark on their GCSE studies, they are fully prepared for the demands of the course.
What will happen in KS4?
At key stage 4, those pupils who have opted to study a full course of French, Spanish, or both, will start a two-year programme of work culminating in taking the AQA/NEAB examination in which their performance in the four skill areas of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing will be assessed at Foundation or Higher Level. There is no coursework element involved in the assessment, and the pupils’ success is determined by their performance in the four skill areas in the final examination.
Bienvenus / Bienvenidos