Languages
Our Language curriculum will not only help students learn to become proficient in another language; they will also enjoy the experience of other cultures through food, music, dance and other engaging activities.
Students will learn to listen and read for understanding and pleasure; they will learn to speak, sing, discuss, praise; and they will learn to express themselves in writing too.
Young people with good language skills are in high demand in the 21st Century. They stand out as talented and successful people with broad and exciting horizons.
Learning a language means students will have much more fun when travelling abroad and it adds an extra dimension to their personal skills profile; putting them in a stronger position to work abroad or get a job in businesses with an international dimension.
At KS3, all students study either French or Spanish as their main Modern Foreign Language. The focus is very much on developing the key skills of listening, speaking reading and writing, in a range of contexts and for a range of audiences. As students progress through years 7-9, they will study a range of text and media and become increasingly skilled in expressing themselves confidently and fluently.
In Year 7, students are encouraged to experiment with simple vocabulary in different situations and to begin to feel what it is like to be immersed in a different culture and language. By the end of the Key Stage most students will find themselves confident in basic communication and some will be developing a real flair and fluency.
The curriculum is supported by seasonal learning community competitions such as a European model making competition to celebrate The European Day of Languages in September, a gingerbread house competition in December and a Easter hat competition in April.
We offer visits from theatre groups and some themed days around cultural events in France and Spain. Additionally, there is a Key Stage 3 annual trips to Paris and Barcelona, which are always very popular with students.
Our language assistants also provide one to one support for students, who are then able to speak with a native linguist from their country of study. They run weekly clubs for both key stages.
The Key Stage 3 curriculum takes us through an exciting range of thematic programmes of study, which include:
Year 7: Yourself & others, schools in English and French speaking countries, French and French speaking countries’ festivities, hobbies, holidays & days out
Year 8: Networks – media and social media, tourist French & getting to know Paris, our daily lives, our talents, hopes and dreams.
Year 9: Skills preparation for GCSE focusing on family, friends & idols, daily life
Each theme is explored in an imaginative and engaging way, exploring a range of texts (leaflets, guides, stories, literary text extracts) and media (films, social media, music, art) which prepare students for the demands of the GCSE course in Key Stage 4.
A curriculum overview calendar for Years 7-11 French is available here
A curriculum overview calendar for Years 7-11 Spanish is available here
If you have any further questions please email
Language learning is about community: understanding different peoples and cultures; challenging yourself to move from being a stranger in a foreign country to someone who belongs.
Our Language curriculum will not only help students learn to become proficient in another language; they will also enjoy the experience of other cultures through food, music, dance and other engaging activities. Students will learn to listen and read for understanding and pleasure; they will learn to speak, sing, discuss, praise; and they will learn to express themselves in writing too.
Young people with good language skills are in high demand in the 21st Century. They stand out as talented and successful people with broad and exciting horizons.
Learning a language means students will have much more fun when travelling abroad and it adds an extra dimension to their personal skills profile; putting them in a stronger position to work abroad or get a job in businesses with an international dimension.
A curriculum overview calendar for Years 7-11 French is available here
A curriculum overview calendar for Years 7-11 Spanish is available here
If you have any further questions please email
