The Modern Languages Curriculum Area contains a team of highly skilled and dedicated specialist teachers, whose goal is to ensure all students are motivated, keen to learn and develop to their full potential. This is essential in creating an environment in which all levels of ability perform above expectation.
The March 2004 Ofsted report stated:
‘Standards in work are above average in both languages. Higher attaining students can recognise past, present and future tenses and can use the first two of these for their own purposes.’
At Key Stage 3 all students learn French, with some students also learning Spanish from Year 7. Lessons take place in our two digital language laboratories, and in a classrooms with an interactive whiteboard and video. Students are at ease with this technology, helping to create an environment conducive to learning, and maintaining levels of motivation amongst traditionally reluctant boy learners. Lower attaining students, including those with special educational needs, achieve well in relation to their potential.
Preparation for end of Key Stage levels includes practice and testing up to level 6 of the National Curriculum Attainment Targets. Equal emphasis is placed on all four skill areas of Listening, Speaking,
Take up of languages at Key Stage 4 has been above the national average, with a large percentage of students taking a GCSE in French, Spanish or German. Students in Key Stage 4 are entered for the AQA Specification ‘A’ GCSE.
Schemes of Work are amended regularly and the sharing of good practice plays an integral role in the success of the Faculty. At Key Stage 5 students are entered for the AQA Specification AS/A2 course. Take up of languages in the Sixth Form shows a consistent improvement.