Modern Foreign Languages
Introduction
The Modern Foreign Languages faculty aims to incite linguistic curiosity. We want students to become passionate about the languages that they learn, and seeing them grow in confidence is our utmost aim. By learning foreign languages, students don’t only find out about the grammatical structures of the language itself, but they are also exposed to a wealth of cultural and historic information about each of the countries themselves.
Students are encouraged to work independently and challenge themselves by experimenting with new vocabulary and structures in their work. Language learners are good communicators and have to become adaptable and flexible. These are all skills which are highly sought after in the job market, and are those that we aim to foster in our students throughout their language learning career at Chancellor’s.
Key Stage 3
The Modern Foreign Languages faculty aims to include some cultural input in each year to ensure that lessons are varied, such as making crêpes in Year 8 French, or looking at Carnival in Year 7 Italian. Using tailor-made resources, students are given the opportunity to learn in different ways.
In Year 7, all students study French and are taught in mixed ability form groups. We work closely with our partner primary schools and build on what the students have already learnt, so as to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Students in Year 7 also have the opportunity to study a second language - either German or Italian. These language options continue throughout Year 8, at the end of which students will be given the opportunity to focus on one language in preparation for GCSE. Some students may wish to study two languages at GCSE or if they are simply undecided at the end of Year 8, they can choose to continue studying both languages in Year 9.
With the growing importance of the EBACC qualification, we aim to help students focus more time on one language, so that they can make as much progress as possible before they start their GCSE course. In French, we use the Studio textbooks to supplement learning and students are also given access to an Activelearn account. In German, we use Echo textbooks and students are also given access to an Activelearn account. We use Amici d’Italia and Tutti Insieme textbooks for Italian.
Key Stage 4
Students studying French, German or Italian in Year 10 follow a scheme of work based on the new Edexcel GCSE specification. This is a linear GCSE course and students will take all examinations in Year 11, as there is no controlled assessment in the new GCSE course. There are two levels of entry at GCSE: Higher and Foundation. Grades 9 to 4 can be awarded from the Higher Tier and grades 5 to 1 can be awarded from the Foundation Tier. As far as is reasonably possible we enter students for the Higher Tier. However where we feel that it better suits an individual, they will be entered for the Foundation Tier.
Additional components such as translation have been introduced into the new GCSE and we will ensure that all students are thoroughly prepared before sitting their exams at the end of Year 11. The four main skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are all equally weighted.
The main themes studied in French, German or Italian are: identity and culture, local area, holiday and travel, school, future aspirations, study and work and international and global dimension.
Internal assessments are regularly made, and parents will be informed of the outcome of these, so that they are able to support home revision. Students will also have access to the online Studio and Stimmt Activelearn packages to supplement their learning outside of the classroom for French (Studio) and German (Stimmt). Italian students are all provided with an Amici textbook which they keep for the 2 year course. The progress of students is closely monitored, and movement between sets takes place when appropriate.
Key Stage 5
Students studying either French or German at A-Level will study the AQA course. It aims to develop fluent and natural linguists with a flair for adapting and manipulating the language.
In French, students will study topics relating to a French-speaking country, including: aspects of society, artistic culture, and aspects of political life. They will also complete an in-depth study of a French film and text as well as working on grammar and vocabulary revision.
In German, students will study topics relating to a German-speaking country, including: aspects of society, artistic culture, multiculturalism and aspects of political life. They will also complete an in-depth study of a German film and text as well as working on grammar and vocabulary revision. Students have access to the online Kerboodle package but are also expected to supplement their studies by keeping abreast of current affairs in the target country.
Students of the Edexcel A level in Italian will develop an understanding of Italian in a variety of contexts and genres, and learn to communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in Italian. They'll also develop an awareness and understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of the countries or communities where Italian is spoken.
Extra-Curricular
The Modern Foreign Languages faculty runs a wealth of trips, as we all believe that there is no better way of learning a language than seeing it come to life.
Year 7:
French day trip to Northern France.
Year 8:
German residential trip to Stuttgart.
Year 9:
French residential trip to Normandy/Brittany.
6th Form:
Bi-annual trip to Paris
Work experience in France
History and German trip to Berlin
All years:
Bi-annual Italian trip to Italy
We celebrate the European Day of Languages with Year 8 students by watching a play in French.
We have a GCSE MFL help club, and we run a MFL film club for year 11 and sixth-form students.
