With three languages (French, German and Spanish) on offer to A level, and a full portfolio of extra-curricular visits from morning visits to see Foreign Language films, trips to revision days for exam classes, master classes, extra-curricular Latin, not to mention our full range of foreign residentials, Modern Foreign Languages has always been at the heart of the Curriculum. We are delighted therefore, to launch our second specialism in Languages from Sept 2009, and to support the skills-based approach to learning which is already being spear-headed by the Music Specialism.
There are 3 broad strands to our programme for the first year of the specialism, all of which are aimed at supporting the whole school curriculum as well as developing the potential of students across the ability spectrum.
Beginning in Key Stage 3 we will be instrumental in developing a nurture curriculum for our most vulnerable students, offering them a tailor made programme of lessons with a focus on developing their overall language skills as well as the fundamental skill of listening. To support listening skills in Y7, the languages department will also be running a cross-curricular workshop to make students more aware of the importance of listening in a wide range of contexts from school subjects, to the wider world.
To support our budding dual linguists in Year 9 we are developing a fast track gifted and talented programme for students who will accelerate and deepen their knowledge of French with a funky new programme and additional support through visits and from the Foreign Language Assistants, and will be well equipped to pursue two foreign languages to GCSE and beyond.
Finally for the first year of our Languages Specialism, we will be forging links with 2 local primary schools, sharing teaching and learning expertise and developing an exciting programme languages. With an eye to enthusing the linguists and A level students of tomorrow, we will be using our own sixth form students to model and support the primary language curriculum.
