Modern Foreign Languages

Modern Foreign Languages

 “Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.” (Goethe)

The Modern Foreign Languages department is passionate about developing global citizens.  We are a high achieving department with excellent uptake in the national context.  Our languages, French and German, run through all Key Stages.

Staff

Our highly-skilled staff can all offer both languages

Mr M. Richardson - Curriculum Leader (richardsonm@fulford.york.sch.uk)

Ms. L. Gibbs - Second in department , ITT coordinator

Ms. A Taylor -  Full Time

Mr C. Towse -  Full Time

Mrs R. Malone - Part Time

Mrs S. Janssen-Havercroft -  Part Time

Mrs E. Green - Part Time

Key stage 3

All students start with French in Year 7, picking up German in Year 8 and continuing with both languages through to Y9.  The study of two languages is the cornerstone of our large number of KS4 dual linguists.  For the minority of students choosing not to continue with a language to GCSE level, we offer FCSE in French or German.  The MFL department runs Express groups in Years 8 and 9, this group contains our Able Gifted and Talented linguists and runs at a faster pace – GCSE controlled work is completed in Y9 by these students.

Key Stage 4

AQA French and German is offered at KS4, and has very healthy uptake.  Students can opt for one or both languages as a traditional two year GCSE course.  Express linguists, along with those invited to do so by staff in Y9, can opt for the Fast Track option.  This is where students take both French and German GCSE in one option block, completing French GCSE in the summer of Y10 and then German GCSE at the end of Y11.  In Y10, students doing this option can expect to have four lessons per fortnight of French and one of German.  This process is then reversed for Y11.

The GCSE course is made up as follows

Speaking 30% (controlled tasks)

Writing   30% (controlled tasks)

Listening 20% (exam)

Reading 20% (exam)

Two controlled tasks are entered for speaking and writing (15% each) and are carried out throughout the course – parents will be advised as to the dates of these.

Key Stage 5

Students follow the AQA AS and A2 courses in KS5.  Uptake is good, with increasingly more students opting to continue to Y13, having done AS.  The courses are as follows:

 AS Outline

The AS course covers:

• Media: TV, advertising and communication technology 

• Popular culture: cinema, music and fashion/trends 

• Healthy living/lifestyle: sport/exercise, health and well-being and holidays 

• Family/relationships: relationships within the family, friendships and marriage/partnerships. 

The AS specification has 2 units:

• Unit 1: Listening, Reading and Writing (70% of AS)

• Unit 2: Speaking Test.  (30% of AS)

A2 Outline

The A2 course covers: 

• Environment: pollution, energy and protecting the planet 

• The multi-cultural society: immigration, integration and racism 

• Contemporary social issues: wealth and poverty, law and order and the impact of scientific and technological progress 

• Cultural topic: the study of a target language speaking region/community or the study of a period of 20th century history from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a novelist/dramatist/poet from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a director/architect/musician/painter from a target language-speaking country/ community. 

The A2 specification has 2 units:

• Unit 3: Listening, Reading and Writing (35% of A Level)

• Unit 4: Speaking Test. (15% of A Level)

Extra Curricular

Y9 – Exchange trip to France

Y10 - GCSE French Study Trip Chβteau du Tertre, Normandy (PGL)

Y12 – Work Experience in France/Germany (Halsbury Travel)

For further information about Modern Foreign Languages at Fulford – why not visit our wiki

www.gcselanguages.wikispaces.com