INTRODUCTION
As a department we are committed to instilling in pupils a sense of the value, importance and pleasure of learning languages and to ensuring maximum pupil achievement. We also aim to widen pupils’ cultural awareness and to inspire a life-long interest in the countries of study through contact with our Foreign Language Assistants, use of authentic materials from France and Germany, interesting and informative textbooks, audio-visual material, use of I.T./CD Roms etc. and language learning games. |
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We also run a number of Education Extra clubs such as Scrabble in the foreign language. Pupils are encouraged to use the foreign language to express themselves in class and staff also use the foreign language as much as possible, in accordance with National Curriculum requirements.
We are very fortunate at The Sweyne Park School to be able to offer the opportunity for all pupils to learn both French and German at Key Stage 3. In Year 7, all pupils study French for three hours per week. In Years 8-9, pupils continue to learn French (2 hours per week) but also start learning German (also 2 hours per week). Pupils are set according to ability in both French and German from Year 8 onwards. At Key Stage 4, pupils can either opt to study one language or may be encouraged to study both languages. Given the ever increasing importance of Europe in all our lives, we feel that having the opportunity to learn two languages gives pupils a real advantage when seeking employment later on.
COURSE DETAILS
A wide range of topics is taught, covering the three main areas of experience required by the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3. These are:
- Everyday activities, including home life, school, food, health and fitness
- Personal and social life, including communicating about yourself, family, free time, social activities, holidays and special occasions
- The world around us, including your home town and local area, the environment, people, places and customs
Pupils’ language skills are developed in four major areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The course encourages pupils to use the language creatively and to acquire a useful level of competence in real life situations. The course also promotes language awareness and where appropriate an understanding of grammar.
Assessment
Pupils are assessed regularly in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in accordance with National Curriculum Levels of Attainment. Regular diagnostic tests allow both staff and pupils to identify areas of strength and possible weaknesses and consolidate or address them as appropriate. Pupils are constantly encouraged to think about their learning and regular teacher feedback is given to help plan for future progress.
Home Learning
Home learning is an essential part of ensuring that pupils achieve their full potential and we expect pupils to complete two half-hour home learnings in Year 7, of which one will be a learning home learning. In Year 8, pupils will complete one half-hour home learning per week in each subject. In Year 9, pupils will complete 40 minutes of home learning in each subject. Home learning is marked regularly by the class teacher who will give feedback, encouragement and advice on how to improve still further.
Beyond the Classroom
The department runs a number of trips designed to help pupils in their language learning, including a day trip to St Omer for all pupils in Year 7. We run a German Exchange and are currently working to set up a French Exchange.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play an extremely important part in helping pupils to achieve their full potential. We would like to encourage parents to help in the following ways:
- ensuring pupils have all the correct equipment/books for each lesson
- ensuring pupils meet home learning deadlines
- trying to provide a quiet environment for pupils to work in at home
- providing a dictionary if possible, such as a Larousse mini dictionary for £2.99 (the department is fortunate in having class sets of dictionaries; however these are not taken home by pupils)
- encouraging regular vocabulary learning; checking/testing vocabulary
- contacting the department at an early stage if you have any concerns
- taking an active interest in pupils’ work.
Securing Success
Parents will be notified either by letter or telephone of any serious concern experienced by the department regarding a pupil’s progress and level of achievement. Following such contact there will be an opportunity to discuss matters further in person. Should parents feel their son/daughter is not making progress, they should contact the subject teacher or the staff named below.
Staff
Head of MFL - Tania Dickens
