Modern Foreign Languages

Ms F Kisiel – Modern Foreign Languages Teacher

 

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart.

NELSON MANDELA

The languages department is a flourishing department at All Saints' which is continuing to expand and we currently offer both French and Spanish at GCSE level.

The study of a foreign language is vital in today's global society. It not only dramatically improves your employment opportunities, but also improves your communication skills. We hope that as many students as possible leave All Saints' with a GCSE in either French or Spanish.

 The MFL department aim to create learners who:

·       Have outstanding communication skills

·       Respect and understand other cultures & traditions

·       Challenge themselves and each other

·       Are global citizens

·       Can transfer their knowledge in to the wider world

 

The Academy’s Vision has helped shape our curriculum choices for KS3/4/5 for MFL. At KS3 and KS4, we study the topic of family and relationships approaching the topic with an understanding of the different perspectives and backgrounds that students may have. At KS4, the study of the topic of environmental and social issues gives students an opportunity to reflect on the world around them and develop their own opinions regarding ethical choices. There are many cultural elements of the MFL curriculum, particularly at KS4, as it provides students with the chance to learn about other cultures and reflect on how this differs from their own culture and experiences. The GCSE course supports students in developing their communication skills and can widen opportunities for students in future study and career paths. 

In Year 7 all students study French. They learn to speak about themselves, their families, their home town and their interests and how to use the language for ‘real’ purposes of communication. Year 7 students are introduced to the basic language patterns and grammatical features which gives them an understanding of how the language works. With this knowledge, students follow modules which cover introducing themselves, their pastimes and hobbies, school and where they live. They are also taught skills in order to better equip them throughout their language learning experience at All Saints', such as dictionary skills and pronunciation strategies.

This is further exploited in Year 8 where students continue to study French and many are introduced to a second foreign language of Spanish. Students study modules in fashion, healthy living, their life (family and friends), holidays, part time jobs and either a module in 'la francophonie' or they delve into the mysteries of a fairy tale in French!

In Years 9, 10 and 11, students can opt for either French or Spanish at GCSE or challenge themselves further by studying both!  We follow the AQA specification in both languages. There are 4 units which the students will be assessed on: listening, reading, speaking and writing all building upon the groundwork made during Key Stage 3.

Unit 1 – (25%) Listening exam at end of course (30 minutes foundation/40 minutes higher)   Unit 2 – (25%) Reading exam at end of course (30 minutes foundation/50 minutes higher)  Unit 3 – (25%) Speaking controlled assessment (externally assessed)  Unit 4 – (25%) Written exam

Speaking more than one language increases your brain capacity and improves your memory. They're good for you.

Extra Curricular

A Language club runs in MG01 every Tuesday evening run by our Student Language Ambassadors!

Year 11 revision:

Thursdays 15:10 – 16:10      French and Spanish revision (both weeks)

 

Future Possibilities

Languages can open the door to any number of career and further education options including;

• A Level study
• Language degrees
• Combined degrees with subjects such as; Law, European studies, Business Studies, Technology or Engineering.
• Careers in travel, teaching, translation, interpretation and many more.
• Ab initio language modules at university

 

English is just not enough. Believe it or not, not everyone speaks or wants to speak English. A language will always be useful, no matter what you do. Language means business and foreign language will make you really stand out.