Modern Languages


Aim of Subject

  • To develop pupils as individuals, as contributors to society and as contributors to the economy and the environment
  • To maintain and stimulate lasting pupil curiosity, enjoyment and interest in language learning.
  • To create and maintain a positive classroom atmosphere where pupils wish to learn and are encouraged to actively participate in lessons.
  • To enable each pupil to realise her full potential in a variety of situations, supported by appropriate resources, to ensure the highest level of achievement is attained.
  • To enable every pupil to develop her ability to use the target language in order to communicate effectively.
  • To encourage positive attitudes to language learning, to foreigners and foreign cultures.
  • To enable pupils to become familiar with a body of knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary in the target language.
  • To encourage pupils to work independently and as part of a team in the target language, thus contributing to the development of key skills such as ICT, literacy and numeracy.
  • To enable pupils to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as politeness, concern for others, mutual respect and initiative.

 

Department Staff

Mrs Veronique Louden (Head of Department)

Mrs Karen Mc Avoy

Miss Suzanne Brown

Pupils study one of the 2 languages the College has to offer, i.e. French or Spanish throughout Key Stage 3. All pupils will have 3 timetabled language lessons per week for their chosen language at Key Stage 3. The 4 language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing are externally assessed at the end of year 10. This provides every pupil with the opportunity to gain an external qualification, an OLA Certificate in a Modern Language before GCSE.

In light of the revised curriculum and changes to GCSE language course specifications, there is an emphasis on the development of practical speaking and writing skills at GCSE. These are currently assessed through outcome-based ‘Controlled Assessments’ instead of exams. Listening and Reading Skills are assessed in Year 12. Flexibility also allows students to be assessed at different times of the year. This means there is more choice and control over topics— pupils can focus on one ‘theme’ for their speaking and writing assessments or consider different themes if they so wish.

Course Structure:

GCSE Listening exam : 20%

GCSE Reading exam : 20%

Controlled Assessment:

Speaking: 30% (2 tasks, 15% each)

Writing: 30% (2 tasks, 15% each)

 

 

 

Modern Language Trips Abroad

Language trips abroad are regularly organised by our MFL department. It is normally the case that one group goes to Paris, France whilst another travels to Barcelona, Spain, for 5 days in the middle of June. Pupils will choose to go on the trip have the opportunity to bring the modern language that they have been learning in the classroom setting to life whilst experiencing the culture first hand, visiting famous landmarks and even enjoying the local attractions. Our pupils tend to love their school language trips that much that many of them do not want to return home at the end of the week!

European Day of Language

On 26th September we hold an annual celebration of ‘European Day of Languages’ at Lisneal College. Pupils get to sample traditional French and Spanish cultures throughout the day. A continental breakfast is served to all pupils and staff on the day, followed by a European quiz for all year 8 pupils. At lunchtime pupils get to enjoy French and Spanish traditional food options served in our school canteen and are treated to a performance of flamenco dancing. This is always a fun day for all our pupils and staff.