By the end of KS3 students will have developed key skills to help them access and understand a foreign language, which they will have used to study various aspects of the language including grammar and vocabulary related to a variety of topics. Pupils will develop the key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. These will enable them to express their ideas and thoughts in another language, understand and respond in that language, both verbally and in writing. Pupils will be able to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and will be equipped to learn further languages should they wish to study or work in other countries.
By the end of KS4, students will have developed their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary relating to the themes of identity & culture, local, national, international and global areas of interest and current and future study and employment.
There will be a focus on the four key skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing to prepare pupils for all aspects of language learning and assessment. Communication, translation and grammar skills will be taught within these. Key vocabulary and grammatical concepts will be revisited at appropriate times to develop and embed vital knowledge, skills and understanding. Pupils will become familiar with the GCSE assessment criteria for all 4 key skill areas and this will help to prepare them thoroughly for the GCSE.
We will employ a variety of teaching and learning techniques to engage and motivate all learners, highlighting to pupils the relevance of the broad spectrum of topics to their everyday lives. For instance, by the end of year 11 we will have studied careers, future plans and study, compared and contrasted French and English celebrations and encouraged critical thinking about the importance of protecting the environment.
Pupils will be able to understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources, find ways of communicating what they want to say and speak with increasing confidence. Pupils will be able to write at varying length using a variety of grammatical skills and will develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied. Pupils will be able to identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present, past, and future as appropriate to the language being studied, give and justify opinions and take part in discussion about wider issues using accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Through appropriate academic challenge and support, pupils will gain an understanding of other cultures and be able to communicate effectively in a foreign language about a variety of authentic topics. Strong communication skills in a foreign language will support pupils’ literacy and English communication skills, which are important for future study and employment both at home and abroad.