Modern Foreign Languages

Head of Department

Overview

All students in KS3 study either French or Spanish.

Learning a foreign language is fun and rewarding! Languages are of great importance in our modern world. We believe that the ability to speak and understand a second language is a key skill in our global community. We deliver languages in an engaging, varied and practical way to enthuse students.

The Modern Foreign Languages department at Cardinal Pole delivers lessons in French and Spanish, and both languages are offered at GCSE and A-level. We also support students for whom English is an additional language (EAL). EAL students are encouraged to sit qualifications in their native language.

The Modern Languages Department has 5 MFL specialists, all of whom have experience of living and working abroad.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-8)

Students study a variety of topics delivered through the four language learning skills - listening; speaking; reading and writing in either Spanish or French. We use a variety of resources on and offline and students are expected to consolidate what is learnt in school at home. Topics include: self, family, friends, relationships; personal descriptions; preferences, giving opinions with reasons; health and healthy lifestyles; free time and holidays; seasons and weather; school, education and the world of work; use of social media and the world of technology. Students learn to understand and describe events in the past, present and future.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9 -11)

At KS4 students consolidate and develop skills and language learnt at KS3. Themes at GCSE include

Identity and culture, local, national, international, global areas of interest, current/future study and employment.

The final examination will take place at the end of year 11 and assesses the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in equal weighting of 25% each. Pupils take all sections of the examination at either foundation or higher tier.

At Key Stage 4 all pupils follow a core curriculum which consists of English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, Religious Education, and Physical Education.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form, Years 12-13)

Languages are offered in a range of languages at KS5. In addition to French and Spanish, provision for A Levels in minority languages can be made. These include Mandarin, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and Turkish.

Extra curricular activities

The Foreign Language Assistants will be timetabled to offer an afterschool support session every week for those students preparing for GCSE and A/S level. They will also run a lunchtime club for KS3 students.

Languages are offered in a range of languages at KS5. In addition to French and Spanish, provision for A Levels in minority languages can be made. These include Mandarin, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and Turkish.