Languages (MFL)
BackIn Year 7 pupils take French, German or Spanish for four periods per fortnight, where they learn about grammar and language structure as well as about the cultures and traditions of the countries where the language they are learning is spoken. During this first year they learn to speak and write about themselves and others on topics such as homelife, school, holidays and free time. In Years 8 and 9 they continue with this language and deepen their knowledge and skills.
In Year 9 pupils consider their GCSE options and at St Bede’s, we encourage every pupil who is likely to achieve grade 4 at this level to take one, as we know that it can have a great influence on their later choices.
In the Sixth Form we run A level courses in French, German and Spanish.
For more information about each key stage, please click on each of the sections below.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, 9)
Year 7
In year 7 pupils cover a number of topics including homelife, school, holidays and freetime. Grammatical structures are taught formally within the context of these topics and lessons contain a wide variety of activities. Lessons are lively and all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are regularly practised.
Year 8 and 9
Students continue to study French, German or Spanish. They develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing through topics such as freetime, future plans and work, music and the environment. Grammar is formally taught and reinforced through these topic areas. Lessons contain a wide variety of activities, to present new language, and develop linguistic competences and cultural awareness.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10, 11)
GCSE French / German / Spanish
Year 10
The year starts with some revision of the ‘basics’ covered at KS3, before moving onto the GCSE theme of ‘Identity and Culture’. Students are assessed and their progress tracked at the end of each teaching unit as they develop their skills and confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing. At this stage pupils are underpinning their grammar knowledge and use, in preparation for the GCSE course, which is assessed at the end of year 11. When we are given the green light to take part in school trips again, students will have the opportunity to take part in the exchange programme where they host and visit students in our partner schools in France, Germany and Spain.
Year 11
Students continue their study of the GCSE theme ‘‘Local, national, international and global areas of interest’ before moving on to the final theme of ‘Current and future study and employment’. They sit a mock examination in January before they take the public examinations in May/June.
Sixth Form (Years 12, 13)
A level French / German / Spanish
The year 12 course in all three languages flows very naturally from GCSE where the topic of the ‘changing face of the family’ is covered. Grammar is revised thoroughly so that students are well prepared to progress quickly. They significantly broaden their vocabulary through study of the topic areas and regular assessment. Much of each lesson is conducted in the target language and the students will get plenty of opportunity to practise speaking through pair work, group work and class debate. Students use authentic materials and access resources on the internet for research and individual study. Each fortnight there is an assessment period where students complete exam-style tasks under test conditions, providing valuable feedback for students and staff.
For more information about this subject at KS5, please click here and go to the relevant subject leaflet.