Modern Foreign Language Department
At Wakefield Independent School the learning of Modern Foreign Languages holds a key position in the curriculum and is introduced from the very earliest stages.
Overview
The learning of a modern foreign language is seen as a fundamental part of the school’s curriculum.
Pupils start their language learning journey at WIS in Year 1 and continue through the school until GCSEs in Year 11.
The national curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all pupils:
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Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources
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Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation
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Can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt
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Discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.
It is intended that all pupils will develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about French, finding it enjoyable and stimulating. A second language, Spanish, is introduced in Year 9. The aim of the language learning programme is that pupils will see the learning of a modern foreign language as a normal part of the school curriculum and that elements of vocabulary and culture will become part of their general knowledge.
The study of modern foreign languages will give pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences. The intention is that they will see the learning of a modern foreign language as a normal part of the curriculum and that elements of vocabulary and culture will become part of their general knowledge. It is hoped that this will encourage them to become life-long language learners.
In addition, the learning of a modern foreign language will enable pupils to gain a greater understanding of British values particularly that of tolerance of other cultures. There will be the opportunity to discuss how languages have developed via migration over the centuries and the rich heritage that we benefit from as a result.
KS1 and 2
In Y1 pupils are introduced to French with a weekly lesson. Simple phrases are introduced via games, songs and simple worksheets with the aim of creating interest and enjoyment in language learning. There is a strong emphasis on the spoken language. Written work develops an understanding of the difference between English and French phonics.
Grammar is introduced at a pace that pupils can cope with and often evolves from pupils asking ‘why’.
Most resources such as games, powerpoints and worksheets are created by the teacher with additions from Twinkl, Teachit and songs from the Language Factory and Youtube.
Throughout the whole of the language learning journey at WIS, from Year 1 to Year 11, topics are revisited regularly so that new pupils can quickly pick up the basics even if they have no prior knowledge of the subject.
KS3
There is more emphasis on the understanding and learning of grammar in KS3, this is built upon and revised at regular intervals during the course.
At the end of Year 8 pupils choose whether to continue with French or pick up Spanish as well, to GCSE. It is felt that with the more rigorous nature of the GCSE syllabus, it is beneficial for pupils to have three years continuous study of just one language. During Year 9 the KS3 syllabus is followed.
The scheme of work is based around work in the textbooks Equipe Nouvelle and Allez by OUP supplemented by resources from Teachit, TES, Quizlet, Twinkl and those created by the subject teachers.
KS4
The school prepares pupils for the AQA French or Spanish exams. There are three 55 minute lessons per week. We follow the OUP Kerboodle course supplemented by resources from Teachit, TES, Exampro, Quizlet and those created by the subject teachers.
Topics from KS3 are revised and new topics introduced. Basic grammar is revised and new grammar is introduced as pupils are able to take it on board.
There is a School trip to France each year when pupils in the Senior School are given the opportunity to improve their language skills and cultural awareness. A wide range of activities and excursions are undertaken including a day in Paris, a visit to a typical market and a day in Park Asterix.
