Curriculum Intent and Rationale
A Five Ways linguist is curious, hardworking and creative in their use of language, using a range of linguistic knowledge and structures to speak and write fluently and confidently on a range of topics, whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy in his/her work. A bright, outward looking individual who is prepared to invest time and effort into both the learning of vocabulary and structures, as well as the understanding of a culture different to their own.
The aim of the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum is to develop this creativity, inquisitiveness, and confidence in our students, to encourage them to take an interest in other cultures and to see themselves as engaged global citizens.
All of our students learn French for their first two years with us. Concentrating on one language allows students to build upon their knowledge and skills over the two-year course, and to make rapid progress in all of the key assessment objectives, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing as well as translation in and out of English. Students then continue their language learning through to GCSE, either by continuing with their French, or by beginning a new language: German, Spanish or Latin. German and Spanish are taught as three-year courses, with Yr9 laying the foundations in the subject. Post GCSE, students can opt for French, German or Spanish at A level.
Modern Languages is a highly regarded and demanding academic subject and is now included in the English Baccalaureate. The study of Modern Languages encourages many transferrable skills and our students go on to apply these skills in a wide variety of future careers such as architecture, business, medicine and academia.
Implementing our curriculum
Key Stage 3
With a focus on speaking confidently and writing accurately our KS3 curriculum follows and builds on the National Curriculum for KS3. Our overarching learning objectives link directly to aspects of the subject content.
In year 7 we focus on developing students into confident and accurate speakers.
Our learning objectives in year 7 are for students:
- To be able to pronounce common French words using knowledge of sound spelling links
- To be able to pronounce key French vowel combinations
- To be able to read aloud confidently in French.
- To be able to discuss key topics such as hobbies & activities
- To give opinions confidently in French
- To be able to link information to form longer sequences of information & opinions.
- To be able to use two tenses in a sequence of speech – future & present / past & present.
In year 8 our focus is on ensuring accuracy in written work. In addition to further developing the year 7 skills, our learning objectives in year 8 are for students:
- To be able to use a range of verbs across 3 time frames
- To be able to make their work more interesting to the reader / listener through the use of adverbs and connectives.
In years 7 and 8 all pupils have a course booklet which provides them with the key knowledge needed for them to make progress. The topics studied are sequenced to build over time both in terms of grammatical complexity and in the repetition of key vocabulary.
Key Stage 4
Specification: Edexcel
In Key Stage 4 our aim is to ensure that all students develop their ability to communicate in French, German or Spanish. For German and Spanish the first two terms of Yr9 are focused on laying solid foundations in their new language, in order for students to be able to start the GCSE course in the summer term. In French we start the GCSE topics in September and focus on consolidating key structures from KS3 in Yr9. Regardless of language chosen, all students sit the Pearson Edexcel examination at the end of Yr11. We encourage all students to develop their cultural knowledge of life in countries where the target language is spoken, thereby broadening their cultural horizons by being mindful of the different voices and experiences of people within the context of these countries.
Students will be able to do the following by the end of Year 11:
- Communicate with increasing competence, accuracy and fluency.
- Use a wider range of tenses of regular and key irregular verbs with confidence e.g. pluperfect and subjunctive.
- Understand the different use of registers of language and mood – where appropriate to the language.
- Make use of a broader vocabulary, which enables them to give and justify extended opinions.
- Have an accurate use of grammar and spelling in written work.
- Develop competence in listening, reading, writing and speaking as well as being able to transcribe what they hear and translate both ways between English and the target language.
- Be able to cope with unfamiliar language (aurally, in conversation and in reading).
- Read a range of literary texts in the target language.
Key Stage 5
Specification: Edexcel
In Key Stage 5 we aim to allow students to follow an enriched, interdisciplinary programme, which will enhance their critical thinking, develop their linguistic competences and foster cultural curiosity. We enable discussions related to diversity and inclusion (in target language) and relating to the different voices and experiences of those living in target language countries.
We aim to provide a robust foundation for further study of the target language (or beginning a new language) at degree level and ensure that students successfully pass their A Level examinations and are well-prepared to progress to Higher Education or work.
Students will be able to do the following by the end of Year 13:
- Communicate with competence, accuracy and fluency between English and the target language in both spoken and written forms.
- Critically analyse two set texts in the target language.
- Use independent research skills to deliver a presentation and lead a discussion in the target language on a topic of their interest in the Year 13 oral examination.
- Develop their knowledge about matters central to the target language country/countries both past and present.
- Have an excellent command of grammar and spelling.
- Develop transferable skills for the future such as critical thinking, creativity, cognitive flexibility etc.
- Have put in place all the elements necessary to continue a life-long interest in foreign language and culture.