About Our Subject
As we live at a time defined by globalisation, more than ever we are coming across other cultures, peoples and languages. At Oldbury Wells, we believe it is essential that we equip our students with the tools to approach these situations. These days, with the world being just a click of a button away, we also want to make sure our students are provided with the right education to make the most of the opportunities at hand.
Our students learn French, which offers continuity from what is taught at most of our local primary schools. We deliver content over 4 hours a fortnight in Year 7 and Year 8, then 3 hours a fortnight in Year 9.
Throughout Key Stage 3, students will develop their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills within areas such as their environment, about themselves and the wider world.
Our students choose their options in Year 9 and are highly encouraged to continue with a language for their GCSEs, as it constitutes part of the EBACC qualification.
At KS4, we follow the AQA GCSE 9-1 course which revolves around the teaching of three themes:
- Theme 1: People and Lifestyle
- Theme 2: Popular Culture
- Theme 3: Communication and the world around us.
Students then study French for 5 hours a fortnight. The GCSE exams are divided into 4 separate exams which assess the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each skill accounts for 25% of the final grade and students. (Students will be entered for either the Foundation or Higher tier in all four skills).
In MFL, our classrooms enable us to create a sense of immersion in the language and provide us with plenty of space to conduct interactive speaking activities. Our department is committed to developing a love of learning and of languages through engaging lessons using interactive boards. Our access to IT rooms enables us to vary learning experiences and allows students to access authentic material and additional support or extensions. The MFL department is also well resourced to provide support and challenges, whilst developing students’ literacy skills and independence.
