Modern Languages

Mrs Kate McCrory

The Modern Language Department in St John’s strives to develop the pupils’ language learning skills. We hope that the structure of our courses allows each pupil to derive enjoyment from their language learning. Studying a language at GCSE will also allow them to communicate effectively in their chosen language. Through language study each pupil will also develop and deeper knowledge and understanding of the culture and customs of the target language country.

We begin our language study in Year 8 where we study both French and Spanish. This gives the pupils a taste of both languages and at the end of Year 8 the pupils choose which language they will continue to study. We study French until February and the Spanish from February to June.

Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
French/Spanish

Greetings

Numbers (1-20)

Alphabet

Days and months

Birthday and age

Numbers 1-31

Hobbies

School

Time

Daily Routine

At the Cafe

Number 1-100

Weather

Family

Hobbies

Shopping

How will I be assessed?

Pupils’ speaking skills are assessed regularly. Formative assessment is completed at the end of every unit. Summative assessment occurs in the summer term with an end of year exam which assesses all work covered in that year.

At the end of Key Stage 3 the pupils complete an OLA Entry Level 2 examination. This is an externally assessed CCEA examination. The pupils who are successful in this exam receive a certificate.

What will I study?

Year 11/12

Unit 1: Speaking Unit 2:  Writing
Format: Students prepare and complete two controlled assessment tasks

Duration: 3-4 hours to prepare for each task under informal supervision

4-6 minutes speaking to complete each task under formal supervision

Weighting: 30%

Taken:  Task 1 February Year 11 and Task 2 October Year 12

Format: Students prepare and complete two controlled assessment tasks

Duration: 5-6 hours to prepare for each task under informal supervision

1 hour to write out each task under formal supervision.

Weighting: 30%

Taken: Task 1 April Year 11 and Task 2 December Year 12

Unit 3:    Listening Unit 4:   Reading
Format: One externally assessed written paper on all the vocabulary covered

Duration: 35 minutes Foundation/ 45 minutes Higher

Weighting: 20%

Taken: May/June Year 12

Format: One externally assessed written paper on all the vocabulary covered

Duration: 40 minutes Foundation/50 minutes. Higher

Weighting: 20%

Taken: May/June Year 12

How will I be assessed?

The speaking controlled assessments are marked by the teacher and moderated by CCEA. The written controlled assessments are marked by CCEA. The listening and reading papers are marked by CCEA.

Useful Links

www.vie-publique.fr

www.drogues.gouv.fr

www.francetv.fr/

www.tf1.fr

www.france2.fr