Shirebrook Academy

Welcome to Modern Foreign Languages

Department statement
The Modern Foreign Language Department is not only committed to the teaching of Modern Languages but we also seek to advance cross cultural competency and global awareness amongst our pupils. We aim to create and nurture an understanding and appreciation of different countries, cultures and communities.

Through the teaching of Modern Foreign Languages we envisage to equip our pupils with key life skills and knowledge, allowing them to build bridges with their surrounding environment. Pupils will be encouraged to use language as a tool for community cohesion and tolerance and also for becoming world citizens.

Course(s) over view
Key Stage 3
All students will study French, in Year 9 students will have the opportunity to study both French and Spanish

Key Stage 4
Both GCSE French and Spanish are offered as option subjects

How will I be assessed?
Key Stage 3
Students will be assessed throughout the course through a series of end of module and end of year tests.

Key Stage 4
The assessment is divided into 4 skill areas (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). The Speaking and Writing elements take the form of controlled assessments and will be completed throughout the course. These two elements make up 60% of the final grade. At the end of the course there will be a final Reading and Listening exam which represent 40% of the final grade.

Where next?
The GCSE course is an excellent stepping stone to study a language at A level or most universities courses are able to be combined with language modules.

In these days of the European Community, the ability to use and understand a foreign language will continue to grow in importance and a good pass at GCSE will be an impressive qualification and will be useful in a wide range of careers.

Extracurricular opportunities
Spanish club – Wednesday lunchtimes
French club – Friday lunchtimes

Key Skills
Students will develop literacy skills through learning another language as well as key communication skills for the wider world