Curriculum

Languages Department

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfillment. Students learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.
In learning a language students develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity.
The Scheme of Work at Knole Academy covers a range of topics relevant to young people in contemporary society and provides for a sound development of grammar skills. This is supported by a variety of resources. The Department has high expectations and all staff use a range of teaching and learning techniques to enable students to progress and reach their full potential.
Key Stage 3
All students are taught French in teaching groups throughout Key Stage 3, developing their language skills in listening and responding, reading and writing and cultural awareness. All skills are regularly assessed at least every half term. Students follow a skills-based scheme of work which also fits in to the new Modern Language Framework of Objectives. They have the opportunity to use ICT software programs, videos and TV, language magazines and reading books for independent reading.
Assessment is by reference to National Curriculum requirements. Targets are set each term for every student to help them focus on particular aspects of their progress, and measure their achievements. Homework is set twice a week. Thorough learning which also boosts students’ confidence is actively encouraged.
Students are expected to try to speak as much French as possible in the classroom. Learning activities regularly include peer assessment and role plays which the students film themselves. In 2009/10 there has been a poetry competition on the theme of the challenge of learning a language, and a video tour of the school with commentaries by year 7 students.
Year 7 students spend a day in Boulogne in the Summer Term. In 2010, the French department joined forces with the History department and year 9 took part in a joint visit to the battlefields of Belgium and the towns of Lille, Arras and St Omer. There is an e twinning link with a school near La Rochelle on the west coast of France.
Key Stage 4 – GCSE
French is an option subject at GCSE. The exam board is Edexcel and the new GCSE course enables students to take their assessments in speaking and writing in stages. Students are encouraged to visit France or French-speaking countries to develop their speaking and listening skills. There is a well-established exchange programme for year 10 students with a school in Lyon with visits in April and May 2010. In February 2010 year 11 students are participating in a trip to London and Paris with a GCSE revision day in London followed by 24 hours in Paris staying overnight in a youth hotel and a day sightseeing. Travel there and back is by Eurostar.
Key Points
National Curriculum based course at Key Stage 3
Edexcel GCSE course
Extra-curricular activities
Visits, trips and exchanges
e twinning and ICT opportunities