The Importance of Modern Foreign Languages

"Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Pupils learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.

Learning languages gives pupils opportunities to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity. They explore the similarities and differences between other languages and English and learn how language can be manipulated and applied in different ways. The development of communication skills, together with understanding of the structure of language, lay the foundations for future study of other languages and support the development of literacy skills in a pupil's own language." (Extract from NC Online)

Key Stage 3

French and Spanish offers opportunities for pupils to:

• become increasingly familiar with the sounds, written form and grammar of a modern foreign language;
• use their knowledge with growing confidence and competence to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and in writing;
• develop language skills and language-learning skills, including applying their knowledge of grammar and structures, so that they become increasingly independent learners and users of French and Spanish;
• use French and Spanish as the principal means of communication within the classroom, and beyond it where opportunities exist;
• increase their cultural awareness by learning about French and Spanish speaking countries and their peoples, and by working with materials from those countries;
• form a sound basis for further study in key stage 4 and beyond.

Key Stage 4

Pupils can study French or Spanish at Key Stage 4, either studying a GCSE in the language or an entry level certificate. These cover speaking, listening, reading and writing.

In French students are asked to produce 3 pieces of coursework during years 10 and 11 to assess their writing. In Spanish the written GCSE is based on 1 piece of work completed in examination conditions.

The main topics covered are:

·         The world around us

·         Self and family

·         Education and Health

·         Tourism

The program of studies follows Encore Tricolore and there is a selection of resources to complement the diversity of the course. ICT also had a predominant role in the study of MFL in order to gain knowledge and develop creativity.

The MFL department promotes contact with native speakers including a link with a Catholic European College in Avignon, France and it also has the support from the MFL department at Franklin College.

Links

BBC GCSE Bitesize French

Linguascope

Atantot