Modern Foreign Languages

“Languages are everyone’s business!”

Subject Overview

Languages are vital in today’s multiligual global society; in London alone, some 300+ languages are spoken on a daily basis.  Experience shows that the best time to learn is when you are young and we are proud that  we are able to offer 3 European languages, at a time when many state schools are reducing their language provision, and that the majority of our students have an opportunity to study 2 of these during their secondary school career.

Syllabuses

We follow the AQA GCE and GCSE syllabuses.

GCSE:

• Unit 1 Listening (20%)
• Unit 2 Reading (20%)
• Unit 3 Speaking (30%)
• Unit 4 Writing (30%)

Thus the majority of marks are for the productive skills of speaking and writing

Any special entry requirements should be listed here, eg You need to have at least Grade C in GCSE French

GCSE

Above all a student should have enthusiasm for the language and an interest in the country, as well as independent study skills in order to be able to prepare for the controlled speaking and writing tasks, of which there are 4 in total.  It would also be advantageous to have reached level 6 by the end of KS3.

Prohibited Options

Students do not normally study more than 2 languages to GCSE.

Activities and Trips

There are a variety of exchanges and trips on offer.

French exchange:

• Year 8 (Fast-track), Year 9 & Year 10
• Cost: approx. £140

German exchange

• Years 9-11
• Cost: approx..£275

Spanish exchange

• Years 9-11
• Cost: approx. £300

Expected Costs

It is strongly recommended that students purchase bilingual dictionaries to support their learning and encourage independent study.  We have negotiated a significant discount from Oxford and place an order at the start of each school year, and when requests are received.

• Cost: approx. £6 for a KS3/4

Complimentary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

Languages have a solid reputation with universities and employers alike.  At GCSE, a MFL is one of the 5 subjects needed to gain the EBac.  At Advanced Level, a MFL will compliment and enhance many other ALevel subjects, whether you are orientated towards Maths/Science, or to English, Law, Business or Art.

In addition to our exchange provision, we also have a Foreign Language Assistant to support French speaking, and a Spanish native speaker in our team who can offer conversation at GCE or GCSE.  In Year 10 there is also the opportunity to take part in the Young Language Leader’s Award scheme.

For More information email, Mrs A Grant, Head of Modern Foreign Languages.