Modern Languages
French
Aims and Objectives
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To enable every pupil to develop their linguistic skills to their full potential
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To foster an awareness and appreciation of foreign cultures
Role within our Specialist Science College
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To equip pupils with the linguistic skills to prepare them for the world of work or leisure
Key Stage 3
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(i) Courses
Métro 1, 2 (rouge / vert), 3 (rouge / vert)
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(ii) Key Stage 3 results over the last three years
2008 - 71% Level 5+
2007 - 66% Level 5+
2006 – 60%
Key Stage 4
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(i) Courses
Métro 4 (vert) for AQA
Métro 4 (rouge) for AQA
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(ii) Key Stage 4 results over the last three years
2008 - 24% A*-C passes at GCSE
2007 - 40% A*-C passes at GCSE
2006 –25%
Accommodation & Physical Resources
There are four classrooms, each assigned to an individual teacher. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard, fixed whiteboard and a range of audio-visual resources. There is a suite of 15 computers based in one classroom, to which all staff have access. All classrooms have recently been re-furbished. In the corridors and on the stairwell there are various display boards, protected by plastic covers. There is also a stock cupboard located on the same floor as the classrooms. Each classroom contains a range of storage facilities. Each teacher has his / her personal computer, from which can be accessed a wide range of materials, resources and information.
Self – Evaluation Outcomes
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(i) Areas of Strength
a) Able pupils achieve high GCSE grades
b) Less able pupils achieve at least grade G GCSE
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(ii) Targets for Improvement
a) Improve the performance of boys at GCSE
b) Improve final GCSE coursework scores
c) Improve speaking exam performance at GCSE
Summary
The Modern Languages Faculty comprises four full-time specialist teachers. All teachers offer French and German. All pupils study French in Years 7-8. From 2006 Modern Foreign Languages became optional in Key Stage 4, with between 95-120 pupils having chosen to study at least one modern foreign lanaguage to GCSE level. The GCSE course we follow is AQA Specification A (coursework option). All pupils are entered for the GCSE examination, regardless of ability. Each year a significant number of pupils choose to study French at A/S and A Level at neighbouring colleges.
A wide range of methodology is used to stimulate and motivate pupils, including extensive audio-visual and electronic resources. All pupils are set challenging, yet realistic targets and are regularly assessed in all four skill areas to monitor progress. Lessons are focused on learning. The faculty has taken the role of lead faculty for the Key Stage 3 Strategy Foundation Strand. The principles of the Strategy are embedded in current practice. Members of the faculty also attend local network groups, from which new initiatives and ideas are generated.
Each week a pupil is chosen as ‘Linguist of the Week’ and receives a certificate and a letter of commendation. At Christmas Key Stage 3 pupils participate in a ‘Letter to Santa’ competition, the winners receiving prizes. Year 7 pupils also have the opportunity of attending a visiting French market in Grimsby, where they can view and purchase authentic materials. The faculty has also created links with local industry to promote the value of languages in the workplace. There are also strong links with our feeder primary schools. The MFL co-ordinator visits the primary schools to discuss provision and give taster lessons.
In May, we organised trip to France. 34 Year 10 pupils participated in a very successful visit to Northern France, where they were able to develop their linguistic skills, as well as sample authentic French life in a variety of forms.
The faculty believes firmly in the value of acquiring linguistic skills and developing an understanding of foreign cultures. Our aim is to encourage pupils to enjoy their learning and to appreciate the broader value of learning a foreign language in terms of personal development and future prospects.
German
Aims and Objectives
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To enable every pupil to develop their linguistic skills to their full potential
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To foster an awareness and appreciation of foreign cultures
Role within our Specialist Science College
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To equip pupils with the linguistic skills to prepare them for the world of work or leisure
Key Stage 3
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(i) Courses
Logo 1,2
(ii) Key Stage 3 results over the last three years
2008 - 85% Level 5+
Key Stage 4
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(i) Courses
Logo 4
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(ii) Key Stage 4 results over the last three years
2008 - 76% A*-C passes at GCSE
2007 - 51% A*-C grades at GCSE
2006 – 71%
Accommodation & Physical Resources
There are four classrooms, each assigned to an individual teacher. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard, fixed whiteboard and a range of audio-visual resources. There is a suite of 15 computers based in one classroom, to which all staff have access. All classrooms have recently been re-furbished. In the corridors and on the stairwell there are various display boards, protected by plastic covers. There is also a stock cupboard located on the same floor as the classrooms. Each classroom contains a range of storage facilities. Each teacher has his / her personal computer, from which can be accessed a wide range of materials, resources and information.
Self – Evaluation Outcomes
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(i) Areas of Strength
a) Performance at GCSE is good
b) There is a healthy uptake of German at GCSE
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(ii) Targets for Improvement
a) To improve outcomes at GCSE
b) To improve final GCSE coursework scores
Summary
Upper band pupils begin the study of German in Year 8 and, at the end of Key Stage 3, have the opportunity to continue with German to GCSE. The GCSE course we follow is AQA Specification A (coursework option). All pupils are entered for the GCSE examination, regardless of ability. Each year a significant number of pupils choose to study German at A/S and A Level at neighbouring colleges.
A wide range of methodology is used to stimulate and motivate pupils, including extensive audio-visual and electronic resources. All pupils are set challenging, yet realistic targets and are regularly assessed in all four skill areas to monitor progress. Lessons are focused on learning. The faculty has taken the role of lead faculty for the Key Stage 3 Strategy Foundation Strand. The principles of the Strategy are embedded in current practice. Members of the faculty also attend local network groups, from which new initiatives and ideas are generated.
Each week a pupil is chosen as ‘Linguist of the Week’ and receives a certificate and a letter of commendation. At Christmas Key Stage 3 pupils participate in a ‘Letter to Santa’ competition, the winners receiving prizes. The faculty has also created links with local industry to promote the value of languages in the workplace.
In 2007-8 we re-launched the German exchange with Königswinter. Fourtten pupils from Healing hosted a German partner in October and went to stay with their partner`s family the following February. The exchange was hugely successful. All participants have improved their grasp of German language and culture, as well as acquiring enduring friendships.
The faculty is committed to teaching a modern foreign language to all pupils and believes firmly in the value of acquiring linguistic skills and developing an understanding of foreign cultures. Our aim is to encourage pupils to enjoy their learning and to appreciate the broader value of learning a foreign language in terms of personal development and future prospects.
German results at GCSE have improved significantly in recent years and our goal is to maintain that improvement.