French
Learning a foreign language is not simply a matter of learning words and grammatical patterns. The skills acquired through learning a foreign language are exceptionally valuable for a wide variety of professions. Together with the nuts and bolts that make up the language, by studying a modern foreign language students are able to develop essential communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. They are also encouraged to reflect upon the culture and customs of a foreign country and its people – increasingly important in today’s multicultural and multiracial society.
Key Stage 3.
At Kineton High School, all students opt to study either French or Spanish at Key Stage 3. All classrooms are equipped with projectors and screens, enabling teachers to enhance their teaching with attractive and interactive resources and activities using new technology. Students also have access to the ICT suites, where they work at individual computers on a variety of language-based activities (e.g. using on-line worksheets produced by staff, or some of the many websites dedicated to foreign language learners). We currently have email links with 2 French schools in La Rochelle, and many students have their own ‘electronic pen-friend’.
Key Stage 4.
Students are then strongly encouraged to continue with their language studies to GCSE level, where they study a full GCSE course in either French or Spanish. Both French and Spanish are extremely popular among students at Kineton High School, and we usually have 5 GCSE groups studying languages at KS4. Students may be entered at Foundation or Higher level for each of the four skill areas (speaking, reading, listening and writing). Throughout the 2 year course, students build upon the language skills and knowledge they have learnt at Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 5.
Both French and Spanish are offered at AS and A2, where students build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills developed at GCSE. Students receive a solid grounding in language skills, together with a more ‘in-depth’ exploration of the culture and society of the target-language countries and communities. Topics covered at AS include: Media & the Arts (cinema, literature & music), the European Union, Immigration, Family & Relationships, Law & Politics, Travel & Tourism and Food & Healthy Living. A2 topics include: Environment, Multicultural Society, Contemporary Social Issues & a cultural topic chosen by the student (e.g. a region in n France, a period of French History or the work of a French author). Lessons are well resourced with a wide range of activities to engage and motivate students. The course offers an extensive range of online interactive resources which students can access both at home and at school.
Foreign Trips
During Enrichment Week in July there are three foreign trips on offer to students. Each trip offers the opportunity to practise language skills learnt in the classroom and develop a further understanding of the culture:
- - Trip to Belgium including visit to War Graves, Water Park & Chocolate Museum
- - Trip to Paris including visit to Disneyland & tour of city
- - Trip to Spain including a variety of water sports & Spanish language activities & games with native speakers
Recommended Language Websites
Support outside of lessons is encouraged through the use of language specific websites. The following are highly recommended:
http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/
http://www.linguascope.com/ (KS3 – user name and password provided by MFL teacher)
http://www.linguastars.com/ (KS4 – user name and password provided by MFL teacher)
