Why learn a new language?
“Learning a foreign language opens up a whole new world”
“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
Benefits of Bilingualism
According to Anne Merritt, “Learning a foreign language is more than just a boost to your CV or handy for travelling. It will make you smarter, more decisive and even better at English.”
Physiological studies have found that speaking two or more languages is a great asset to the cognitive process. The brains of bilingual people operate differently than single language speakers, and these differences offer several mental benefits:
- You become smarter
- You build multi-tasking skills
- It’s the perfect way to meet new people and discover new cultures
- Your memory improves
- You become more perceptive
- Your decision-making skills improve
- You improve your English
- You stand out from the crowd, and it will be an asset to your future job prospects too!
Knowledge of a foreign language is becoming extremely sought after in the field of International Business where A Level French or Spanish is needed to access certain degree courses. A good degree in this subject would be essential for the following: teaching French or Spanish, Interpreter, work in import and export trade, the Foreign Exchange branch of a Bank and can lead to openings in most fields ranging from Law, Business, Journalism, the Media, Entertainment, Civil Service, Local Government to Tourism and Travel, Secretarial and Administrative work, Catering and the Hospitality Industry and many other jobs and professions.
Subject Aims:
We aim to encourage all pupils to develop their linguistic capabilities to the highest possible degree and to provide stimulating and enjoyable learning experiences, which may inspire pupils to continue their study of the language and embark on the study of a new one.
Staff:
- Mrs C Patterson – Head of Department
- Mrs L Stewart
- Miss N McKay
French Assistant: Mme Nadira Martin
Spanish Assistant: Sra Katherine Dartnell Orozco
Curriculum
KEY STAGE 3
Pupils work through a variety of topics in the language and develop the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. They have the opportunity to learn both French and Spanish.
KEY STAGE 4
Pupils currently follow the CCEA GCSE French and Spanish specifications. They take examinations in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. The Speaking component is conducted and assessed by their teacher. The four units are each worth 25% of the overall GCSE.
Pupils will study a range of topics in three Contexts for Learning:
- Identity, Lifestyle and Culture
Myself, my family, relationships and choices (for example family and friends)
Social media and new technology (for example online communications, computers, tablets and smartphones)
Free time, leisure and daily routine (for example sports, hobbies, cinema, TV, music, dance, fashion, eating out, shopping, at home, at school and at the weekend)
Culture, customs, festivals and celebrations (for example Easter, Christmas, birthdays, cultural activities and events, national holidays, celebrations and cuisine)
- Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest
My local area and the wider environment (for example home, neighbourhood, town or city, places to visit, region and country)
Community involvement (for example charity and voluntary work)
Social and global issues (for example health, lifestyle, antisocial behaviour, caring for others and caring for the environment)
Travel and tourism (for example holidays, destinations, transport, tourist information, weather, directions, accommodation, activities, shopping and eating out)
- School Life, Studies and the World of Work
My studies and school life (for example school subjects, uniform, timetable, rules and regulations)
Extra-curricular activities (for example clubs, societies, events, trips and visits)
Part-time jobs and money management (for example evening work, weekend work and work experience)
Future and career (for example post-16 education, further studies, employment, aspirations and choices)
| GCSE Overview:
Unit 1: Listening |
This is a written examination lasting approximately:
You will answer twelve questions, in English and French/Spanish. |
| Unit 2:
Speaking |
You will take part in two role-plays and a general conversation on two topics in French/Spanish.
The teacher conducts the speaking examination, which lasts 7–12 minutes (plus 10 minutes of role-play preparation time). |
| Unit 3:
Reading |
This is a written examination lasting:
You will answer questions in English and in French/Spanish as well as translating short sentences from French/Spanish into English. |
| Unit 4:
Writing |
This is a written examination lasting:
You will answer four questions including listing (at Foundation Tier), short phrase/sentence responses, translating short sentences, and an extended writing task (from a choice of three) in French/Spanish. |
AS/A2
The CCEA Spanish specifications is followed. Pupils cover a wide range of topics in the language and study a literary text and a film, as part of the course. They also attend Conversation Classes with the Language Assistant.
The topics are:
AS themes:
Relationships;
- different family structures;
- roles, responsibilities and relationships within families;
- challenges for families;
- intergenerational issues; and
- influences on young people, for example peers, family and friends.
Culture and Lifestyle;
- physical well-being, for example diet or exercise;
- risk-taking behaviour, for example smoking, alcohol and drugs or extreme sports;
- dealing with stress and challenges, for example school or examinations;
- hobbies and interests, for example sport or music;
- the arts, film, fashion and design;
- social media and new technology; and
- holidays, festivals and tourism.
AS3: Extended writing
Film :
Achero Mañas: El Bola (Spanish)
A2 themes
Young People in Society
- part-time jobs;
- education and employment;
- career planning – aspirations and/or intentions;
- young people and democracy;
- European citizenship – advantages, disadvantages and opportunities; and
- societal attitudes and young people.
Our Place in a Changing World
- equality/inequality and discrimination/prejudice;
- poverty at home and abroad – causes, consequences and measures to combat it;
- immigration and emigration – causes, benefits and related issues;
- multicultural society and cultural identity – benefits and challenges;
- causes, consequences and resolution of conflict; and
- sustainable living and environmental issues.
- Our Place in a Changing World.
A2 3: Extended writing
Literature:
García Lorca: La Casa de Bernarda Alba (Spanish)
AS/A2 Spanish overview
| AS 1:
Speaking |
This is made up of a presentation
[3 minutes] which you will prepare in advance followed by a conversation [8 minutes]. It will be conducted by an External Examiner. The speaking test will last approximately 11 minutes. |
30% of
AS level 12% of A level |
| AS 2:
Listening, Reading and Use of Language |
Section A: Listening
The listening test will consist of two sets of questions based on two passages recorded on disk. It will last approximately 40 minutes. Section B: Reading One set of questions in French based on one passage and one translation from French into English Section C: Use of Language Five questions with grammatical and lexical exercises and the translation of sentences from English into French Sections B and C are combined into one paper which will last 1 hour 20 minutes. |
40% of AS level 16% of A level |
| AS 3:
Extended Writing |
The test will consist of one extended writing response chosen from a range of questions. This will last 1 hour. |
30% of AS level 12% of A level AS: 40% of A level |
| A2 1:
Speaking |
This is made up of an introduction [1 minute] which you will prepare in advance followed by a discussion [5 minutes] and then a conversation [9 minutes].
It will be conducted by an External Examiner. The speaking test will last approximately 15 minutes. |
18% of A level |
| A2 2:
Listening and Reading |
Section A: Listening
The listening test will consist of two sets of questions based on two passages recorded on disk with answers in French and in English. It will last approximately 45 minutes. Section B: Reading The reading test will consist of two sets of questions in French based on two passages, one summary exercise and one translation from English into French. It will last 2 hours. |
24% of A level |
| A2 3:
Extended Writing |
The test will consist of one extended writing response chosen from a range of questions. This will last 1 hour. |
18% of A level A2: 60% of A level |
Facilities & Resources
Pupils are taught by specialist teachers in subject-specific classrooms. Reading and Listening material in French and Spanish are available within the department and via the Language Assistant to promote further, independent study of the language.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The Year 9 Trip to Paris/Madrid offers pupils an ideal opportunity to practice their language skills and to enhance their cultural knowledge of France/Spain.
The European Day of Languages is celebrated annually in school, providing opportunities to promote the study of French and Spanish.
Year 12 Languages Ambassadors run themed Language Club events at lunchtime which are always very popular!
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