The ability to communicate effectively in a language other than your own is of increasing importance in today’s world. French is studied by the majority of pupils as the main foreign language at GCSE. As many pupils have studied French for a number of years, we aim to build on, deepen and broaden the knowledge of the language that pupils already have. The emphasis is on practical communication; we aim to provide a sound base of the grammar, an insight into French culture and civilization, an awareness of the structure of the language and, most important of all, enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.
We teach French in a lively and communicative way. Our main aim is to ensure that pupils can understand spoken and written French and express themselves confidently, both orally and in writing. The grammar of the French language is taught alongside the communicative skills so that pupils have the tools to use the language creatively and accurately.
In addition to the coursebook, we make considerable use of audio and video resources from the Internet and the four language-based classrooms are each equipped with an interactive white board. Pupils are also given the opportunity to develop their language skills in the Computer Room.
We have satellite television and make full use of French programmes, as well as a variety of DVDs in the target language. Much of the teaching is conducted in French, but English is used for the explanation of grammar points and for clarification. We are fortunate to have a French ‘Assistante’ who helps us with preparation for the oral examination.
The French Department aims to engender an enthusiasm for language that will encourage pupils to achieve the highest levels of academic success as well as giving them the important skills of a Modern Language which they can use outside and beyond their school life.
GCSE French is a topic-based coursed, covering the following five different subject areas:-
Pupils learn how to cope with everyday situations within these topic areas, with the emphasis split between the four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The language and grammatical structures gained during the foundation years are developed as pupils produce increasingly sophisticated French. Oral and written skills are furthered through the addition of more complex vocabulary and structures. Pupils learn how to manipulate and contrast the present, past and future tenses and to express their opinions on a variety of issues.
French GCSE consists of three equally weighted and separate tests, based on the following skills:
There are two levels for each skill and the majority of pupils sit the Higher level exam for most modules. Candidates must submit three pieces of written French, each of 100 -200 words, one of which must be written under exam conditions. Written coursework is done throughout the Fifth Form year and is completed by the end of the Lent Term. It attracts 25% of the marks.
German is challenging, enjoyable and stimulating both intellectually and culturally and is studied by an increasing number of pupils who realize the importance of languages in the modern world.
We follow the OCR specification and the final examination consists of two, separate tests based on the two skills of: Listening and Reading . Writing and Speaking will be tested through controlled tasks.
The two year GCSE course covers five different subject areas:
Confident communication skills are developed through the use of regular pair and group work in class, interactive Smartboard tasks, a range of authentic listening materials, individual presentations, personal video diaries and much more. We will also have the services of a German assistant to help prepare the students for the oral tasks. The Remove German Exchange with the Landfermann-Gymnasium in Duisburg is the longest running exchange at Hurst. Cultural understanding of German-speaking countries and cultures is encouraged through Christmas parties, ‘Karneval’ week and class outings.
No dictionaries are allowed in the Listening and Reading Exams although pupils may use them during the preparation for the written and spoken controlled work. The controlled pieces will be prepared at appropriate intervals during the two years. The two comprehension papers are based on the five subject areas and there is a defined vocabulary list provided.
In the Western Hemisphere Spanish is the second most important language after English, being the language of most of Latin America, the Caribbean, and of sizeable Spanish speaking communities in the United States of America. There are well over 4000 million Spanish speakers in the world. With a good working knowledge of Spanish the number of job opportunities is abundant. It is a beautiful language with a diverse and fascinating culture to be appreciated and explored.
We use a predominantly communicative approach to teach Spanish. Our aim is to ensure that our pupils acquire the ability to communicate effectively and that they can understand and express themselves with confidence. The grammar of the Spanish language is introduced alongside the topics studied to enable the development of fluency in communication skills.
All our dedicated classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, e.g.: the internet, an interactive whiteboard, as well as audio and video recordings. We have satellite television and make full use of Spanish TV programmes, as well as a variety of other programmes in the target language. There are also many more conventional resources such as books, DVDs and games to reinforce what has been learned in class as well as access to a Computer Room.
We are very fortunate to have a Spanish speaking Assistant who comes from Mexico and with whom the students may practise their Spanish.
It is always an advantage to spend some time in a Spanish speaking country, where some excellent language courses can be found. Over the last few years the Spanish department has taken part in non reciprocal home stay exchanges in various Spanish Communities. These have been highly successful and appreciated. The students have returned more confident and certainly very enthusiastic.
The two year GCSE Spanish is a topic-based course and it covers five different subject areas:
Spanish GCSE consists of three equally weighted and separate tests, based on the following skills:
Listening:
Box ticking or short answers, mainly in the target language.
Speaking:
One-minute presentation which is followed by a Discussion and General Conversation. (Students are well prepared for this section of the exam having been given an oral booklet which they fill in over the course of the Fifth Form year). Short role-play and a longer role-play requiring pupils to describe a story. Orals take place at the beginning of the Summer term of the Fifth Form year. They are conducted by the Spanish department and are externally marked.
Reading:
Answers in Spanish and English on a selection of texts.
No dictionaries are allowed in the Listening, Speaking and Reading Exams, although pupils may use them in preparation of the written coursework. There are two levels for each skill and most pupils are expected to sit the Higher level exam for all papers.
Candidates must also submit three pieces each of at least 150 words, one of which must be written under exam conditions. Written coursework is done throughout Vth year and is completed by the end of the Lent Term. It is 25% of the total marks.
The study of Modern Languages at AS and A level will help students to build on, deepen and broaden the knowledge of the language which they already have, as well as learn about the contemporary society and culture of the countries studied. Other subjects which would go well with Languages are English Literature, Geography, History and Business Studies.
Grades A*, A or B in the GCSE examination are normally a requirement for the study of a language at A Level. However, experience has shown that students with grades lower than an ‘A’ may find the course difficult.
Languages are taught in a lively and communicative way with emphasis placed on pupils understanding the spoken and written target language and expressing themselves confidently both orally and in writing. In the first term, grammar covered at GCSE is revised and consolidated so that pupils use the language creatively and accurately. A wide variety of resources is used, including audio and video resources from the Internet. The four language-based classrooms are each equipped with an interactive white board and pupils are also given the opportunity to develop their language skills in the Computer Room. We have satellite television and make full use of programmes in the target language such as the weekly news. Most teaching is conducted in the target language but English is used for the explanation of grammar points and for clarification. We are fortunate to have French and Spanish assistants who help pupils prepare for their oral examinations.
We encourage students to spend as much time in the target language country as possible. We have a long-running German exchange with a school in Duisberg, and for the last few years have organised Sixth Form work experience for French A level students in Lille and Nice. Spanish students have also enjoyed linguistic and cultural trips to Andalucia.
In the Lower Sixth the topics covered are:-
The AS exams comprise:
In the second year of A level the topics covered are:-
The A2 exams comprise:
Students thinking of studying Modern Languages at university are strongly encouraged to study more than one language at A Level. In addition, students who choose to read for a degree in subjects which are not directly related to languages are now being asked to resume or take up a foreign language. Success in languages helps prepare students for a wide range of careers ranging from translating, international banking, business and commerce to teaching, travel and tourism, public relations, hotel management and publishing. Increasingly, however, those pursuing Science-related degrees are finding that their career paths are widened and enhanced by a language qualification.
04 February 2012