Modern Foreign Languages

Introduction

French and German are the two main languages offered by the MFL department.  We promote active learning and we strive to create an exciting and challenging learning environment for all our students.

There are a wide range of fantastic trip at LSA to sign up for throughout the academic year such as a mini trip to France and The German Exchange.

Key Stage 3

The majority of students in Years 7 & 8 study both French and German.  They have 2 hours a fortnight for each language.  At the end of Year 8 most students choose the language they would like to study in Year 9.  In Year 9 students have 4 hours a fortnight dedicated to their chosen language.

We also offer students the opportunity to enhance their language skills outside of a normal classroom.  This year students have developed their German culinary skills by creating Currywurst, Schokolade and German Christmas biscuits to name but a few.  Our magazine and speaking clubs have allowed pupils to develop their speaking and reading skills, an integral part of language learning, using authentic and current stimuli.

A group of our Year 9 students also had the opportunity to attend the Worldwise Skills Event for Schools at UCLAN.  Activities included translation and interpreting, Chinese calligraphy, an interactive Worldwise quiz and the development of communication skills using new technology.  A good time was had by all and students returned with a renewed zest for languages. 

Key Stage 4

Both French and German are offered at GCSE.  Students who opt for a Modern Foreign Language usually choose the language that they chose at the end of Year 8.

The GCSE courses in French and German cover 4 topic areas based around everyday life.

• Lifestyle – healthy living, relationships, future plans, social issues and equality.
• Leisure – free time, the media, holidays.
• Home and environment – home and local area, the environment – problems and solutions.
• Work and education – school, future plans, current and future jobs.

The four main skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing are assessed.  Listening and reading are assessed at the end of Year 11 in two short exams. Each exam is worth 20% of the overall GCSE grade. Speaking is assessed through two controlled assessment tasks. These two speaking assessments make up 30% of the GCSE grade.  Writing is also assessed through two controlled assessment tasks. The two writing assessments also make up 30% of the GCSE grade.  The speaking and writing assessment tasks may be completed at any time in Years 10 or 11.
Our GCSE French and German courses offer students the opportunity to access listening and reading resources online at www.kerboodle.com.  Students should speak to their class teacher to find out more information.  A year’s subscription will allow students to access the online resources at home using their own personal password.  The resources are of a high quality and will enable students to reinforce and extend their classroom learning.