Modern Foreign Languages

Learning another language is the best way to get to know another country and its people. At Stanborough we aim to provide a climate which will enthuse and inspire students as well as develop the confidence and competency of all students to communicate in the foreign language. We encourage students to develop their skills in speaking, reading, listening and writing at all Key Stages, by developing a curriculum suited to their needs and abilities.

Head of Department: Miss R Siddiqui
Email: RSiddiqui@stanborough.herts.sch.uk

What will students study?

In KS3:

In Year 7 students study three lessons of French which is taught in mixed ability tutor groups. In the summer term, students are taught Spanish for one lesson per week and two lessons of French. In Year 8 students are placed in sets; students in the top set continue to study Spanish and French while the remaining students carry on with French. Throughout Key Stage 3 student progress is monitored closely and the setting is reviewed regularly to ensure that students are placed in the group which suits their individual needs best.

In KS4:

At the end of Year 8 students can opt to study French and / or Spanish at GCSE. We follow a three year course and the AQA specification. This can be seen at:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/spanish-8698

The final exam consists of the four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing which are equally weighted at 25%.

In KS5:

AS and A Level French and Spanish are taught as part of the Welwyn Garden City Consortium.
We follow a two year course and the AQA specification.

How can I support my child in this subject?

If you are able to access the internet then your child can practise their language learning on the website to which we subscribe: www.atantot.com (Students will all be given the username and current password), or Memrise, which is a free website. Parents can also help students revise the language learnt in class as students are encouraged to write down the pronunciation of the French / Spanish word alongside its’ English meaning so the parents can test them or learn at the same time as their child!

What equipment does my child need in this subject?

We encourage students to purchase their own French dictionary and to bring this to every language lesson. Students also need at least two different colour pens, a ruler and a board pen to write on their mini whiteboards as this forms an integral part of language learning in our lessons.

Celebrating successes in this subject

Students are rewarded in a variety of ways: Bronze awards are given for good work or class contributions and a Gold award for exceptional homework or contribution in languages. Students are also nominated for school presentation awards which take place on a termly basis. The curriculum leader also sees students who have been highlighted in Year 7 and Year 8 by their language teacher for excellent work or effort.

Extra-Curricular Activities and Visits

The MFL department runs many special events to promote languages. A French Breakfast event is held in July every year for Year 7. The Onatti theatre company presents a French play to all Year 8 students. Year 10 student have attended GCSE language conferences; similarly Year 12 and 13 have visited A Level conferences. There is a Key Stage 4 trip to Spain and France and a heavily subscribed and very successful Year 8 trip to Paris. We have a French and Spanish assistant who work with students in exam classes in particular. We also run after school French and Spanish revision clubs for students in Years 9, 10 and 11.