Modern Foreign Languages

Aims

As the world is getting a smaller place and global markets are expanding, so the need for better communication is all the more important. Our aim is to prepare pupils of all ages and abilities with the tools to compete in a fast-moving global world. To this end, we encourage pupils to develop their ability to understand foreign languages effectively for the purposes of practical communication. At the same time, we emphasise the importance of understanding grammar and the nature of foreign languages. We offer pupils an opportunity to appreciate different cultures and to bring their language learning to life via trips abroad, links from the classroom and cross-curricular projects.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 all pupils currently study Spanish as the core language with French and German being the second language options from Year 8. In Year 9 pupils are assessed via the FCSE (AQA) which replaces internal testing and the end of year examination. This allows pupils to receive a nationally-approved accreditation at the end of their KS3 studies. The Department also organises a European Day, with outside speakers, for pupils in Year 9 every March.

GCSE

At Key Stage 4 all pupils continue their study of at least one foreign language. The department follows the new AQA specification in all languages, with groups taught in sets in French and Spanish. Throughout the course pupils develop their linguistic competence in the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

AS and A Level

Languages are an option at AS and A2 level and aim to build on, and extend, the skills developed during GCSE to allow pupils to communicate at a higher level. An appreciation of civilization and culture is fostered through a study of literature and history topics relating to the target language country. 

Facilities

The Department is housed in a suite of specialist rooms, each furnished with a desktop computer, an interactive whiteboard with ActivInspire,  internet access and video-conferencing facilities.  The Department also has a class set of handsets for use with ActivExpression. The Department is well stocked with audio equipment and subscribes to various software packages such as Linguascope and Kerboodle.

Extra curricular

The Department offers ICT in MFL activities, a Key Stage 3 French club, Prep School language clubs (delivered by Sixth Formers), ab-initio Japanese, tandem-learning opportunities with the University of Hull and trips to Normandy (KS3), Germany (GCSE) and Spain (GCSE). At Sixth Form level, pupils communicate with our partner school in Argentina via a chat room or video conference and benefit from one-to-one sessions with native-speaking Student Ambassadors from the University of Hull. We have also developed a new link with a school in Tahiti (French Polynesia) and various interesting classroom projects are planned for this year.

Staffing

• Mr G R Stephenson BA, Newcastle, MA, PGCE, Dip Ed (Head of Department)
• Mme C S Blanc Maîtrise Psychology, Nanterre, PGCE
• Ms J Blencoe BA Hull, PGCE
• Ms T E Burns BA, Manchester, PGCE
• Mrs J Grimley BA, Hull, PGCE
• Mrs V Pick BA University of Wales, PGCE