A modern Foreign Language is a ‘core’ subject in Years 10 and 11 and all non-Arabic pupils follow a course in French, German or Spanish (ab initio).

An optional early morning French class will be offered to Arabic students who wish to continue the language. The level 4 group which aims to prepare students for GCSE by the end of the academic year will also be available to non-Arabic students subject to their meeting the required criteria. Please note that there is an additional charge for the morning French class.

Making your choice
Choosing the language/s you wish to study is important and we advise you to discuss the choice with your teacher.  If your are considering choosing two languages, please see Head of MFL.

The aims of the GCSE course in Modern Languages are as follows:

• to develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication
• to form a sound base for the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure
• to offer pupils who intend to study French, German or Spanish at a higher level the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge
• to offer insights into the culture and civilization of French, German or Spanish speaking countries; to develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning; to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation
• to encourage positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilization
• to promote learning skills of a more general application (e.g. analysis, memorizing, drawing of inferences)

The course will centre upon the language required to deal with practical real-life situations which a person visiting a French, German or Spanish speaking country would be likely to encounter. The reading, writing, and listening materials used will be essentially “authentic”, ie actual documents currently in use. You will be taught and expected to participate in conversations and to express opinions in a range of situations within your experience.

Weighting varies depending on the skill area, and you will be examined at either FOUNDATION or HIGHER level, in each of the 4 skill areas (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing).

Dictionaries are no longer allowed in any part of the examination.

Scheme of Assessment

You may be entered for either the Foundation or the Higher Tier in each paper. You will be encouraged to take the combination of papers best suited to your ability. To achieve grades B, A, or A* you must take some or all Higher Tier papers.

Recent careers advice indicates that now, more than ever before, a working knowledge of a foreign language is becoming an increasingly valuable asset in the world of work. As international travel and commerce become the norm, more and more employers are recruiting staff who can communicate in more then one language. A qualification in a modern foreign language could therefore enhance your career prospects.