KS5 and languages
MFL is an optional subject, so it will be 1 of the several options that students have to choose from in one of the different option blocks. Students can only opt for the language they have studied in KS4.
Students are being prepared for the AQA – new Specification GCE exam. For additional resources on AQA specifications, including sample exams, student guides and coursework guides please visit their website at www.aqa.org.uk
Lessons
Students following these courses must show an interest in the subject and have a good mark at GCSE. They need to be hard-working and meet deadlines as well as being prepared to contribute actively to lessons. We expect students to do a lot of private study and research topics.
Attendance to lessons is vital and students should catch up whenever they are absent. We have 600 minutes per fortnight week for AS Level plus 1 50-min one to one weekly session with the Language Assistant. For A2 we have 500 minutes per plus1 50-min one to one weekly session with the Language Assistant.
Homework
Homework is set after each lesson. This may comprise written or learning activities and pupils are encouraged to visit web-sites. Students should be spending at least 45 minutes on the majority of pieces of homework.
Homework is vital in KS5 as it will be the base for the Writing and Speaking parts that the students will have to write or speak.
Completion of homework is monitored and failure to complete homework will result in departmental sanctions.
Resources
All students will be allocated a textbook at the beginning of the year. Students are responsible to keep it in a decent state and to bring it to all lessons. If students misplace it, parents will have to pay for a replacement.
French: Élan 1 & 2 4
Spanish: Ánimo 1 & 2
German: Zeitgeist 1 & 2
There is also a Grammar book that students may be given by teachers.
Students will also need to get a big folder with dividers. Teachers will indicate the different sections in the folders where students have to place the work. It is also vital to have it in all lessons.
For languages we ask students to have at least 4 different colour pens (preferably blue, black, red and green) and the usual equipment established in the contact book (pencil, rubber, sharpener, colouring pencils, glue, safety scissors).
Failure to bring all equipment to the lessons will result in departmental sanctions.
Foreign Language Assistants
All students will be allocated a time to attend a 50-minute one to one session every week during one of the free periods with the Foreign Language Assistant where they will be practising their oral skills. The FLA will be setting homework which has to be completed on time. It is a compulsory session and failure to attend will result in departmental sanctions.
Progression
Students are taught the topics according to whichever language and text book they have, although all topics are covered. For each unit there is equal emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Progression through the Key Stage is ensured by basing the grammar on the AQA requirements for GCE and students sit tests at the end of each topic (listening and reading) and some practice test while they are studying the topics. There are trial exams in December where students are tested at least on listening, reading and writing. We are aware that students progress at different levels in the different skills and each student is encouraged to do his or her best.
Progress in Speaking and Writing will be measured by the Controlled Assessments.
Assessment
At the end of each unit students are assessed on progression to attain a grade which is monitored by the teacher and the HoD to ascertain their progression throughout the Key Stage.
Speaking and Writing Assessments will take place during the years. Teachers together with the FLAs will prepare the students for their Speaking tests. Notice that the Speaking test normally takes place on the first week of May. Teachers will also prepare students for their Writing by setting different essays throughout the year, giving very specific feedback on how to improve.
Student self assessment is an intrinsic part of the evaluation process of all units and students should have a descriptor of each exam (Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3 & Unit 4) with their mark scheme and an example from the examination board.