Foreign Languages

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Foreign Languages

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The Languages Team

Mr J Hennigan—Head of Languages
Mrs N Grierson – Second in Languages
Mrs N Noad – Learning Manager and Teacher of Languages
Mrs D Pardon-Gallagher — Teacher of Languages
Mrs B Shilton – Teacher of Languages

The Languages Suite

The Languages Suite is an attractive, spacious and well maintained area of school situated on the first floor of the phase two building. The suite comprises 4 specialist languages rooms, a designated ICT area and an office.

Intent

The intent of the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum at All Hallows is to develop language learners who have a love of languages, are resilient and independent, are confident speakers of French and Spanish and have a secure understanding of phonics. They will have a strong awareness of the culture of French and Spanish-speaking countries and benefit from opportunities to experience aspects of the culture through educational visits and the regular use of authentic materials. They have a sound understanding of French and Spanish grammar which includes the ability to apply it in new contexts and the ability to use and understand a range of tenses with confidence, are inquisitive linguists, ask searching questions and like to discover how languages are interlinked. They are also able to progress readily to the next stage of their language learning and are proud of their linguistic achievements.

Implementation

The MFL Department at All Hallows is staffed by three full-time and two part-time experienced, dedicated linguists. The intent of our curriculum is implemented through an awareness of our students’ KS2 MFL experience, schemes of work which cover a broad range of topics and grammar, the expectation that students will use the target language often and with ever-growing confidence, the inclusion of phonics in lessons to ensure excellent pronunciation and building on prior knowledge whilst regularly revisiting tenses and other key grammatical points. Departmental intent is also implemented through the routine expectation that students will show resilience and will think for themselves, the central focus of a range of engaging materials, including target language songs, films and literature, the selection of contexts which are engaging and relevant to young people, whilst also setting language learning in real life situations and a reflective approach to the continuing professional development of MFL teachers. In summary, we love our subject and we want our students to have that same feeling during their time with us at All Hallows and in their future lives and careers.

KS3

Curriculum Outline French

Key Stage 3 French Grammar Prog Y7

Key Stage 3 French Grammar Prog Y8

Key Stage 3 French Grammar Prog Y9

Scheme of Learning Overview FRENCH KS3

CURRICULUM OUTLINE Spanish

Key Stage 3 Spanish Grammar Prog Y7

Key Stage 3 Spanish Grammar Prog Y8

Key Stage 3 Spanish Grammar Prog Y9

Scheme of Learning Overview SPANISH KS3

KS4

At KS4 the pupils can opt to choose French or Spanish at GCSE level. We follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE.

Examination Details

There is no Controlled Assessment any more so there are final exams in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Each component is worth 25%. There are two tiers: Foundation and Higher.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/French/2016/specification-and-sample-assessments/Specification-Pearson-Edexcel-Level-1-Level-2-GCSE-9-1-French.pdf

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Spanish/2016/specification-and-sample-assessments/Specification-Pearson-Edexcel-Level-1-Level-2-GCSE-9-1-Spanish.pdf

The five themes that we cover are:

Identity and Culture
Local Area, Holiday and Travel
School
Future Aspirations, Study and Work
International and Global Dimension

Course Content

In each topic the pupils study the necessary vocabulary, language structures and grammar. Many of the topics build on work studied at KS3. The scheme of work aims to ensure progression in the language as the topics are revisited. The scheme of work continues to reflect the communicative approach to language learning whilst at the same time preparing pupils for the format and demands of external examinations. Through their study of a foreign language pupils are provided with a range of learning opportunities:

to develop an awareness and an appreciation of other languages and cultures
to work creatively, independently and in groups
to develop their communication skills through a range of learning situations
to use ICT to enhance their language learning

The Importance of Language Learning

In these days of global trade and multi-national business, the economic advantages of having language skills are extensive. Many university courses and careers require language qualifications. Some examples are:

Law, especially International and Business law
Journalism
Banking
Many areas of business and commerce
Marketing
Travel and Tourism
The Armed Forces
Teaching (Primary, Secondary & Tertiary)
Translation and Interpreting
The Services Industry: hotels, shops, restaurants etc

Learning a foreign language widens your horizons and gives you a deeper understanding of, and respect for the way of life in societies other than your own. Being able to speak to a foreign person in his/her own tongue is an experience not to be missed. It also deepens your own knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of your own language.

Reasons why languages are great:

English is not enough! Not everyone speaks English, 75% of the world do not speak any English at all.
In class, you get to study cultural aspects of where the language is spoken throughout the world.
Languages mean business – many employers now want their employees to have at least a GCSE in a foreign language.
They’re good for you! Speaking more than one language increases your brain capacity and improves your memory.
It’s really impressive to be able to speak a foreign language. It’s a real achievement that your friends will envy and employers will love!
Using a language at work could raise your salary by 8-20%.

These short video clips are thought-provoking interviews with people from many different job sectors who explain how languages have enhanced their own career paths.

For further information please contact Mr Hennigan.