Languages Department
The Modern Languages Department aims to:
+ develop the ability to understand and use the target language effectively for purposes of practical communication;
+ offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries and communities where the target language is spoken;
+ encourage positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages and a positive approach to other cultures and civilisations;
+ develop students’ understanding of themselves and their own culture;
+ encourage the development of skills which have a wider application, such as memorising and communication skills;
+ provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.
The Modern Languages Department comprises 5 full-time members of staff, 2 part-time. The Modern Languages Department operates cohesively and supportively as a team and it is expected the appointee would wish to adopt this style of working. The department is extremely hardworking and committed to raising achievement.
All students learn French in mixed ability groups in Year 7 (3x1 hours per week). Spanish is introduced as a second language in the third term of Year 7. In years 8 and 9, all students learn French (2x1 hour per week) and Spanish (1 hour per week). All years, except Year 7 are taught in sets. At Key Stage 4 all students study one or two languages. The examination courses followed are Edexcel applied French and Edexcel Spanish. Alternative courses are offered for our low ability students. The College’s commitment to languages is indicated by the generous time allocated for languages in Key Stage 3. We presently offer an AS/A2 level course in French and Spanish, certificated by AQA. ‘11th Sessions’, held in the evenings, are a distinctive feature of the College and commitment of staff and students to French and Spanish in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 is high.
Accommodation for the Department is extensive and provides an attractive range of carpeted teaching/meeting rooms. The suite of classrooms, small work rooms and offices has been extensively modified recently to suit the needs of language teaching, including use of an ICT suite. The Department is well resourced and has good reprographics support.
The department is working hard to raise achievement at key stage 4 Key Stage 3 results are improving with a much greater focus on progression in years 7 and 8, and the provision of more opportunities for extended reading and writing. The department has been involved in the Key Stage 3 National Strategy for MFL since 2003.
