Some interesting facts relating to language learning:
- Speaking another language helps keep your brain fit and active and avoid dementia.
- According to a recent survey being able to speak another language can help to raise your salary by between 8-20% (Keith Marshall University of Wales Bangor)
- People who speak another language are likely to earn £3000 more than those who don’t – that’s the equivalent of £145,000 over the course of a lifetime – more if you are a higher rate tax payer.
With this in mind all students have the opportunity to study both French and Spanish to A Level.
All pupils entering St Bees School study French as a first language.
Spanish is offered to Form 3
KS3 |
Form 1 |
Topics, personal information, school subjects and opinions, sports and leisure activities, house and home Leisure and past tense, daily routine, family and friends, body and illness, food and healthy eating, a trip to Paris |
4 lessons a week |
|
Form 3 |
Sets 1 and 2 |
French |
3 Lessons a week |
|
Spanish |
3 lessons a week |
|||
KS4 |
Form 4 and 5 |
Pupils continue with French and may choose Spanish as part of option blocks. |
4 lessons a week |
|
At all levels of study the language department strives to develop the language skills for practical communication, with all four skills given equal weighting. Pupils engage in role play and debate, developing the skills required to listen and read for gist and detail from multimedia resources.
Students are encouraged to become familiar with the culture of the countries where the studied languages are spoken, to participate in an e-pals scheme and in the 6th Form, study the works of a director/architect and works of literature.
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE - FRENCH
Core Subject – Examination Board used AQA - Tiers available: Higher and Foundation
What are Modern Foreign Language GCSEs all about?
- Thanks to new technology and improved travel and communications, the world has become a much smaller place. It is crucial, therefore, that we learn to speak and understand each other. This can only be done effectively by learning other languages and appreciating associated cultures.
- A GCSE in French rewards practical communication skills and adds a European and/or International dimension to your studies.
- Learning another language can enhance your employment and mobility prospects whether you want a career in business, engineering, medicine, teaching, law, fashion or tourism.
- This is a multi-skill GCSE (speaking, listening, reading and writing). All pupils have regular oral lessons with a French Assistante.
- It encourages you to express yourself, your likes, dislikes, ideas and opinions and develops self-confidence.
Will I enjoy this course?
You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that offers:
- a range of skills and a variety of activities with topics that include media, entertainment & youth culture, education, training & employment and social activities, fitness & health.
- potential for linking work to ICT – ‘surfing the net’, sending e-mails, using multi-media facilities and other practical ICT applications will be actively encouraged.
It will appeal to all types of students including those interested in travel, culture and people from different countries, as well as those who always have something to say.
How does it follow on from what I have learned before?
You have developed important language skills and knowledge. The GCSE course will build on this and introduce you to a wider range of language structures and vocabulary. You will learn to recognise these and to apply your new knowledge to different contexts. If you enjoy language learning, consider taking more than one language at GCSE – Spanish is offered in the option scheme.
How will you be assessed?
Each of the four skills contributes towards your final grade in the following way:
Listening 20%
Reading 20%
Speaking 30%
Writing 30%
Listening and Reading are examined through a terminal examination at the end of the Fifth Form (Year 11). Speaking and Writing are assessed through “controlled assessment” throughout the course. You will produce at least two different pieces of both written and spoken work in the target language in controlled conditions at School.
What other skills might I develop?
Learning a language will help you to develop skills that will be extremely useful to you. It can help you to develop key skills in communication, Information Technology, working with others and improving your own learning and performance. It will also develop your confidence and ability to communicate with people from other countries and cultures.
What could I do next with a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language?
The French GCSE offers a progression route to further study of a foreign language at AS and A level. A GCSE confirms your ability to learn a foreign language and facilitates the learning of other languages.
Employers are always asking for candidates with language skills and a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language will place you in a strong position for interesting employment with plenty of career opportunities. Examples of employment where language skills are particularly valued include journalism and media, law, engineering, business and marketing, IT, sport and leisure, travel and tourism, customer service, civil service (Immigration, Customs and Excise, Diplomatic Service) and teaching (UK and abroad).
