The transition process between KS2 and KS3 is really important to the department.  We help students bridge the gap between primary and secondary, even for those with little or no experience of learning a language at KS2.  Students are supported so that they are able to embrace rigorous learning habits as well as finding enjoyment in learning about a variety of cultures from French and Spanish speaking countries. We cannot assume that every single student transitioning from KS2 has been offered the opportunity to study a language as we have many feeder primary schools, but our main primary partners are enjoying French lessons, delivered by a specialist in most cases. These are not necessarily assessed formally. We do take the differences in students' profile into consideration, and as we write, offer the opportunity for students to enjoy both languages (French and Spanish) for one hour per week. Students are then able to express an informed preference for which language that they will study in more depth from year 8 onwards.

Years 7-9

Our KS3 curriculum is based on the national MFL curriculum, encompassing the 3 pillars of progression (phonics, vocabulary and grammar). For each main unit or topic, students are exposed to the core vocabulary for that specific topic (e.g food in year 8) which leads to low-stake assessments in the shape of regular vocabulary tests, and formal assessment which are consistent across the department. We carefully plan to give the students the opportunity to be exposed to target language phonics, where relevant and introduce and review key grammar points in as natural a progression as possible (e.g: use of present tense for jouer (to play) and faire (to do) when studying leisure activities in year 8. This allows us to show the relevance of studying these particular grammar aspect of the languages. In the resources used, as well as in assessment, we aim to progressively develop the students' abilities to note patterns and meanings in a more reliable way (e.g longer texts, used for reading aloud and responding activities). Expressing themselves in a written and spoken manner is covered throughout the curriculum by a series of 'building blocks', from the basic introduction ( Bonjour/hola) in year 7 to producing piece on our use of new technologies in our daily life (year 9). This naturally relies on reviewing vocabulary seen in previous lessons, as well as revisiting the use of a variety of tenses (past, present and future). Our formative assessments are designed to allow the students to see the progress made in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and are both timely and focused on the latest content studied (SOW) as well as including previous knowledge acquired, thus enabling a check on potential gaps in learning.

Year 7 French Learning Journey

Year 8 French Learning Journey

Year 9 French Learning Journey

Year 7 Spanish Learning Journey

Year 8 Spanish Learning Journey

Year 9 Spanish Learning Journey

GCSE French and Spanish

At KS4, students are invariably aiming at achieving the best grade they can and, as a team, we support them through an open-door policy which includes clubs to boost confidence when needed or reviewing areas where gap(s) in knowledge are present. Our lessons follow the GCSE curriculum content which is regularly reviewed. Preparing students for GCSE is seen as a natural progression from our KS3 curriculum which includes all 4 skills that would be assessed for this exam. Due to the cumulative nature of our subjects, revisiting prior knowledge and building on it to achieve better understanding and proficiency in productive skills is inherent to our lessons. We have a high aspiration for our students and aim at steering away from only using pre-learnt sequences of languages and giving students opportunities to generate their own language using prior knowledge and knowledge that has been acquired. We are fortunate to benefit from having our own language laboratory and this is used efficiently by language exam classes, to work on their listening and speaking skills, but also students enjoy some online competitions to review topics or grammatical points. Our overarching goal is to prepare our students to become global citizens where they would be able to use their language skills in the world of work and also to nurture the desire for life-long learning of languages and other cultures.

Course summary:

Exam summary (final exams):

• Reading skills: 25% of the GCSE
• Listening skills: 25% of the GCSE
• Writing skills: 25% of the GCSE
• Speaking: 25% of the GCSE

Schemes of work

French

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Spanish

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

At KS5, students move from basic language formation, and are increasingly able to manipulate complex words and structures as well as accessing authentic materials. By studying a film and a piece of literature, we aim to develop their knowledge of the culture where the target language is spoken, as well as allowing them more independence in their learning. Students are given the opportunity to research a particular aspect of life or society in these countries, according to their preference and particular interest. This project has been especially successful and enjoyed by the majority of students studying a language at KS5.

Exam summary:

Listening, Reading and writing

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes—50% of qualification  - 100 marks

Writing

2 essays : 2 hours —20% of qualification  - 80 marks

Speaking

Oral exam assessment: 21-23 minutes - 30% of qualification  - 60 marks

As a department, we work tirelessly to promote our students' success and expect parents to have as high aspirations for their children as we have. To that aim, we have produced tailor-made booklets for French and Spanish that parents can refer to when supporting their child's learning. We also subscribe to a series of very useful learning platforms that enable both students and parents to access extra resources in the languages taught (See below)

Pearson Active Learn

Quizlet

LanguageNut

BBC Bitesize

Seneca

KS4/5: Kerboodle

KS5: TV5

Each year we offer a variety of additional activities and opportunities outside the classroom.  These can include:

• Pairing with Spanish students.
• Penpal letters
• Exploring French media.
• House competitions.
• Language Day.