Languages

An Overview

Within the Department we teach three languages. French is taught across the whole cohort in year 7. In year 8 approximately 85% of children start a second language. We also offer German or Italian. These continue right through until the end of KS3, when they choose their options. In KS4, German, French and Italian are continued with an equal number of children taking each language.

We aim to use the target language almost exclusively, throughout both Key Stages. The children are encouraged to understand, and reply to, classroom instructions from the start of learning the language. In KS4 the lessons are conducted as far as possible in the target language. Within Listening, the children hear a variety of native speakers, both on tape and video.

In KS3 we address our Special Needs children by setting the children from the start of year 8 into smaller groups, in order for them to be able to work at a slower pace and also to maximise the amount of help they can be given. These groups work to a differentiated Scheme of Work, as well as having the benefit of one, or sometimes two, extra classroom assistants. They have two hours of their first foreign language per week, as well as one hour each of extra English and Maths.

In KS4 the children are expected to continue with a modern foreign language towards the EBac.  

Within our Schemes of Work we also cater for the linguistically able child through extension work, and differentiation of books. Our Schemes of Work have been updated to include the new KS3 framework. We also run ‘Help’ sessions at lunchtime for children wishing to have more individual attention. We have links with both Wolverhampton & Worcester Universities.

We run several lunchtime ‘clubs’. On a Monday there are revision sessions in French, German and Italian for year 11, and on other days there are general help sessions for each language.

We have many successful trips to France, Germany and Italy. Amongst them we offer a popular trip to Italy, run in conjunction with the Food Technology Department and possible trips to France and Germany with the PE and History Departments in KS4.  We also run trips in KS3 to the Christmas markets in France and Germany.

Within KS3 the children are assessed according to their National Curriculum Level, and this is reported in line with the school Assessment Policy. In KS4, the children follow the Edexcel board GCSE exam course and are moderated according to GCSE criteria. We have developed a ‘self help’ method of assessment for use within the Department.