Over the past two decades, countries in the world have become more and more interdependent, and new technologies have erased many existing borders. Learning foreign languages has become more necessary than ever for linking with the rest of the world and for producing an enlightened citizenship able to function in today’s ever-shrinking world.
Languages are the bedrock of the world’s cultural heritage. Every language offers a rich and unique insight into different ways of thinking and living as well as into the history of the myriad of cultures and peoples across the globe. Foreign languages are also important to those working in business, communications and nearly every other career track.
The MFL department aims to:
- To equip pupils with the confidence and ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in a foreign language.
- To develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning.
- To promote positive attitudes to language learning.
- To give pupils some understanding of cultures different from their own.
- To equip pupils with specific skills eg. learning, memorising, working with others, working independently, reading for pleasure, dictionary skills, ICT.
- To improve communication skills.
- To increase a skill transferable to the workplace.
At DWHS we currently offer tuition in French and Spanish in Y7 and Y8. All pupils are taught in mixed groups. They study a language for 4 hours per fortnight. At the end of Year 9 they can choose to take a language to GCSE. All pupils have the opportunity of continuing with French or Spanish to GCSE level. All languages are established to A level.
| KEY STAGE 3 |
FRENCH YEAR 7
| 1. C’est perso |
Talking about personal information, physical appearance and favourite objects. |
| 2. Mon collège |
Describing your school, subjects, timetable and talking about food. |
| 3. Mes passetemps |
Talking about mobiles, technology, free time and what you like doing. |
| 4. Ma zone |
Learning about your area, giving directions and saying what you can do in town. |
| 5. 3, 2, 1…Partez! |
Learning to talk about holiday plans and use the future tense. |
FRENCH YEAR 8
| 1. T’es branché(e)? |
Talking about internet, movies, book reading and free time. |
| 2. Paris, je t’adore! |
Asking for tourist information and using the past tense. |
| 3. Mon identité |
Talking about mobiles, technology, free time and what you like doing. |
| 4. Chez moi, chez toi |
Describing your home and discussing food to buy. |
| 5. Quel talent?! |
Talking about talent and ambition and using must and can. |
Assessment
There will be an end of module assessment for each unit combining at least 2 of the 4 main skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). At the end of the year students will take an end of year exam which will complete the language course.
SPANISH YEAR 7
| 1. Mi vida |
Introducing yourself. Talking about your personality, age, birthday and friends. |
| 2. Mi tiempo libre |
Giving opinions. Saying what you do in your spare time and what sports you do. |
| 3. Mi insti |
Describing your school, teachers, subjects, timetable and talking about food. |
| 4. Mi familia y mis amigos |
Describing your family, what you look like and where you live. |
| 5. Mi ciudad |
Describing your town or village, telling the time and using the future tense. |
SPANISH YEAR 8
| 1. Mis vacaciones |
Talking about a past holiday. Using the preterite tense of regular verbs. |
| 2. Todo sobre mi vida |
Saying what you use your phone for and what type of music you like. Talking about TV. |
| 3. ¡A comer! |
Saying what food you like. Describing mealtimes and ordering a meal. |
| 4. ¿Qué hacemos? |
Arranging to go out Making excuses. Using querer and poder. Talking about clothes. |
| 5. Operación verano |
Describing holiday activities and a world trip. Talking about summer camps. |
Assessment
There will be an end of module assessment for each unit combining at least 2 of the 4 main skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). At the end of the year students will take an end of year exam which will complete the language course.
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| KEY STAGE 4 |
FRENCH YEAR 9
| 1. Ma vie sociale d’ado |
Describing yourself and a music event / Using the verb aller. |
| 2. Bien dans sa peau |
Learning the parts of the body and talking about healthy eating. |
| 3. À l’horizon |
Talking about your job, describing what your job involves and talking about your ambitions. |
| 4. Spécial vacances |
Discussing holidays, describing holiday disasters and visiting a tourist attraction. |
| 5. Moi dans le monde |
Discussing what you are allowed to do and talking about things you buy using three tenses. |
SPANISH YEAR 9
| 1. Somos así |
Technology and leisure time. |
| 2. ¡Oriéntate! |
School rules, description and daily routine. |
| 3. En forma |
Healthy food and healthy living. |
| 4. Jóvenes en acción |
Languages at work. |
| 5. Una Aventura en Madrid |
Spanish speaking countries. |
Assessment
There will be an end of module assessment for each unit combining at least 2 of the 4 main skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). At the end of the year students will take an end of year exam which will complete the language course.
GCSE FRENCH
| 1 - Lifestyle |
| 2 - Leisure |
| 3 - Home and Environment |
| 4 - Work and Education |
Which examination board sets the syllabus?
AQA
What qualification will i get?
GCSE French
Assessment
All three topics are examined at the end of the course in four separate papers
- Listening (25%)
- Speaking (25%)
- Reading and translating (25%)
- Writing (25%)
GCSE SPANISH
| 1 - Lifestyle |
| 2 - Leisure |
| 3 - Home and Environment |
| 4 - Work and Education |
Which examination board sets the syllabus?
AQA
What qualification will i get?
GCSE Spanish
Assessment
All three topics are examined at the end of the course in four separate papers
- Listening (25%)
- Speaking (25%)
- Reading and translating (25%)
- Writing (25%)
|
| key stage 5 |
A LEVEL SPANISH (AQA):
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The focus of this course is to enable students to develop their linguistic skills alongside their understanding of the culture and society of countries where Spanish is spoken. Students study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of Spanish-speaking artistic culture, including Hispanic music and cinema, and learn about political engagement and who wields power in the Spanish-speaking world. Students also explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of Spanish-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Students will study texts and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.
If students wish to read Spanish at university, A level Spanish is essential. However, studying a language at A level is a valuable asset to combine with any other programme of study.
Exam Board: AQA
Subject Content:
Students must study the following themes in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country. There are various sub-themes a school can choose to study using a range of sources, including material from online media.
- Aspects of Hispanic society
- Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
- Dossier de cine y literatura
Career Opportunities / Routes
A level Spanish supports progression into many higher education courses and the following areas of work: Airport airline industry; banking and finance; business (most of British business is export); counselling/social services; customer services; diplomatic service; education; human resources; journalism; government and law; media; translation; travel and tourism; and the military services.
Assessment
Paper 1: Listening Reading & Writing
Written exam assessing aspects of Hispanic society, political life and artistic culture.
Paper 2: Writing
Written exam assessing a text and film, or two texts, from the list set in the specification and grammar.
Paper 3: Speaking (30%)
Speaking exam assessing an individual research project and aspects of Hispanic society.
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A LEVEL FRENCH (AQA):
The focus of this course is to enable students to develop their linguistic skills alongside their understanding of the culture and society of countries where French is spoken. Students study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema, and learn about political engagement and who wields power in the French-speaking world. Students also explore the influence of the past on present-day French speaking communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of French-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Students will study texts and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.
If students wish to read French at university, A level French is essential. However, studying a language at A level is a valuable asset to combine with any other programme of study.
Exam Board: AQA
Subject Content:
Students must study the following themes in relation to at least one French-speaking country. There are various sub-themes a school can choose to study using a range of sources, including material from online media.
- Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends.
- Artistic culture in the French-speaking world.
- Dossier cinema et littérature
Career Opportunities / Routes
A level French supports progression into many higher education courses and the following areas of work: Airport airline industry; banking and finance; business (most of British business is export); counselling/social services; customer services; diplomatic service; education; human resources; journalism; government and law; media; translation; travel and tourism; and the military services.
Assessment
Paper 1: Listening Reading & Writing
Written exam assessing aspects of French-speaking society, political life and artistic culture.
Paper 2: Writing (20%)
Written exam assessing a text and film, or two texts, from the list set in the specification and grammar.
Paper 3: Speaking (30%)
Speaking exam assessing an individual research project and aspects of French-speaking society.
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| Additional information |
It is one of our aims that students should develop an understanding and appreciation of the culture and civilisation of the countries and communities whose language they are learning. In addition, we want them to gain a sound basis in the skills and language required for extending their career options. A key stage 4 and 5 trip abroad is therefore offered annually. These trips have included educational and cultural visits to Barcelona, Granada and Paris. A trip abroad is hugely beneficial as it really brings language to life, and gives students a clear demonstration of the validity of language learning, and the benefits and enjoyment that can be gained from years of endeavour. Barcelona, Granada and Paris have much to offer as school travel destinations. Students can explore the many art museums and those learning the language will be able to practise their skills on the bustling streets.
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