Modern Languages
 

Modern Languages at Key Stage 3
Year 8

In year 8 pupils have the opportunity to study both French and Spanish.   Each class will have two lessons of each language timetabled per week.

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The focus in year 8 is to equip pupils with essential language skills in order to get by if they are on holiday in any country where the languages are spoken.

The topics covered are:
 

Personal Details - Answer questions about personal details e.g. name, age, birthday, nationality.

School objects.
Food and drink- Ordering food in a restaurant or café
Clothes- Shopping in a clothes shop

In the chemist’s-products, body parts and ailments.

More food, drink  and quantities

Colours

Question words

 

At the end of year 8 pupils will be given the option of choosing the language they wish to study in year 9 and 10 from French/Spanish.  Results of the assessments in each language in year 8 will be taken into account.

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Year 9 and Year 10

In Year 9 and 10 pupils will study a variety of topics which will prepare them for progression into a GCSE language class. The topics studied in Year 9 and 10 are:

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Daily routine
Time
Hobbies
Household chores
My home
School subjects
Family
Descriptions
My area
Environment
Holidays

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During year 9 and 10 pupils will be assessed at key points throughout the course through listening, reading, written and speaking tests.

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GCSE Languages (CCEA)

We encourage all students where suitable to follow a course in a Modern Language until the end of Year 12 in order to maximize chances of success in job and university applications. In all languages assessment is by terminal examination. 

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GCSEs are offered in French, and Spanish. (provided a viable class can run).

The GCSE Examination in Modern Languages is made up of four components:

• Listening

• Speaking

• Reading

• Writing

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The reading, listening and writing exams will be assessed at either Foundation or Higher Tier. 
The speaking exam has no tier of entry.  Grades ranging from A* - U are awarded based on outcome.  The allocation of marks in each area is as follows:

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Unit 1 Speaking - 25%
Unit 2 Writing - 25%
Unit 3 Listening - 25%
Unit 4 Reading - 25%

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GCE Languages (CCEA)
AS/A LEVEL FRENCH/SPANISH/IRISH

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The CCEA specification at AS and A2 levels builds upon the knowledge, understanding and skills attained at Key Stage 4.

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It is therefore essential that those good candidates opting for AS or A level in a Modern Language should have achieved a very good grade at GCSE level.

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The format is common to French and Spanish and will assess the four skills area – listening, speaking, reading and writing – although not separately, as at GCSE Level.

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The AS levels (Modules AS 1 & AS 2) can be taken as a “stand alone” qualification without progression to A2 (modules A2 1 & A2 2). 

 

Contexts for learning

The Contexts for learning and associated topics are set out below in grid format.  Where a statement of content is provided for AS level it is deemed to apply also to the A2 list.

 

AS Topics

Relationships: 

• Family Life and Relationships

• Personal ad interpersonal realtionships

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Culture & Lifestyle:

• Physical well-being

• Mental well-being

• Interests

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A2 Topics

Young people in Society:

• Equality

• Multicultural Society

• Democracy and Conflict

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Our Place in a changing world:

• Conservation

• Energy

• Climate Change