Modern Foreign Languages
Overview
French and Spanish are taught at West Lakes Academy. We believe language learning is fun and rewarding and that the ability to understand and communicate in other languages is increasingly important in our society and in the global economy. Learning Spanish and French gives students greater opportunities to travel and work abroad. Languages contribute to the cultural and linguistic richness of our society, to personal fulfilment, mutual understanding, commercial success and international trade and global citizenship.
A wide range of ICT resources and apps are used to support independent student learning including software packages such as Pearson’s active learn, Quizlet, Kerboodle and E Grammar.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8)
Current year 7 and 8 students study two lessons of French each week. We use Pearson’s Viva and Studio interactive resources.
Key Stage 4 (Years 9 – 11)
The majority of students at the academy study a foreign language at GCSE level. Spanish and French are offered at both GCSE foundation and higher level.
Current year 9, 10 and 11 students are studying the AQA GCSE specification. Listening, reading, writing and speaking is worth 25% each and all skills will be assessed externally at the end of Year 11. We use Pearson’s Active Teach and Active Learn Studio 4 for French and Viva 4 for Spanish.
Assessment is carried out through the four main language skills of:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Post 16
French and Spanish are offered up to A Level following the AQA specification. A Level French and Spanish builds on the skills taught at GCSE and develops an understanding of the current issues in French or Spanish society. For more information please use the links below.
AQA A Level French
AQA A Level Spanish
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students’ experiences of languages are expanded and enriched at all levels of study through residential trips abroad. Previously we have taken Year 8 and 9 to PGL’s Chateau du Tertre in Normandy, France. Classes have also participated in a successful pen pal scheme, exchanging letters in French with Collège Le Haut Gesvres near Nantes, France. A variety of academy visits including trips to other schools to participate in Routes into Languages events in addition to guest speaking events by working linguists also contribute to the students’ language development and interest in the subject. We also have links with the local twinning association WEVA and with Valencia, Spain.
