Shool children at work
About us

KS3

1.Why learn a Foreign Language?
2.Course Outline
3.The Framework
4.N.C. Level descriptors
5.Schemes of Work – Overview for Y7, Y8 and Y9
6.Examination Information
7.Foreign visits
8.How difficult is a GCSE in Languages?

Year 7

COURSE OUTLINE: The scheme of work is written around a course book and designed to promote progression in the acquisition of skills and the knowledge of content and linguistic structures. It encourages independent study and promotes knowledge and understanding of other cultures. Emphasis is on the teaching of structures through topic areas. Assessment is intrinsic to the curriculum and learning goals are shared.
Pupils work towards the following levels in the 4 skill areas:

AT1 Listening and responding:
Identify main points from short passages divided into sections and spoken at near normal speed. There may be some repetition of sections.
AT2 Speaking:
Respond to and initiate short exchanges and express simple likes and dislikes. The language is mainly memorised with visual cues and some substitution of vocabulary.
AT3 Reading and responding:
Identify and note main points from short texts and dialogues of familiar language. A dictionary or glossary may be used.
AT4 Writing:
Write short sentences and phrases on familiar topics from memory and express likes, dislikes and feelings. Spelling is understandable and books, textbooks and display can be used for reference.

 

Year 8

COURSE OUTLINE: There is continued emphasis on independence in the use of language by pupils. Emphasis is also placed on attainment and achievement to ensure that individual strengths and weaknesses are recognised. Both achievement and effort are rewarded and pupils are encouraged to be creative and also to be comfortable when making mistakes. There is some revision of Year 7 language but the emphasis is on grammar and structure together with core not peripheral language.

AT1 Listening and responding:
Understand longer spoken passages and pick out the main points.
AT2 Speaking:
Take part in longer conversations, ask questions and give replies three or four times, give opinions and also change phrases already known to say something new.
AT3 Reading and responding:
Understand longer written passages, pick out the main points and some detail and also sometimes work out the meaning of new words from existing knowledge.
AT4 Writing:
Write three or four sentences from memory and change phrases already known to say something new.

 

Year 9

COURSE OUTLINE:There is a reinforcement of structures introduced in Yr7 and Yr8 and an emphasis both on building confidence and on acquisition of vocabulary. Pupils learn to integrate vocabulary and structures previously taught and to apply the rules of grammar in a variety of themes and situations. The essential skills to develop pupil independence continue to be taught and pupils are encouraged in the understanding that preparation is as important as ability. KS3 MFL study is promoted strongly as the foundation and preparation for GCSE. Units of work include the themes of holidays and other cultures, health and fitness, media and leisure activities, education and career choices and the environment.

Pupils work towards the following in 4 skill areas.
AT1 Listening and responding:
Identify opinions and language on a range of topics in the past, present and future tenses.
AT2 Speaking:
Seek and give information in short conversations about everyday activities and interests in the past, present and future tenses. Make oneself understood though there may be some errors.
AT3 Reading and responding:
Identify and note opinions and language from a range of material and authentic texts in the past, present and future tenses. Read aloud and use reference material in a confident manner.
AT4 Writing:
Write short and simple pieces in the past, present and future tenses and seek and give opinions. Resource materials may be used and though there may be some errors the meaning is understood.