Curriculum

At Key Stage 3 all pupils study French and Arabic, and those from an Urdu-speaking family background also learn Urdu. There are two lessons of Arabic and French per week in years 7 and 8 and two lessons of Arabic and one lesson of French in year 9. There is one lesson of Urdu in years 7,8 and 9. All groups are taught in mixed-ability form groups. Some groups will be given three lessons as extra Arabic.

In each of these languages the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are developed through a range of tasks and activities, using a variety of resources and techniques.

At Key Stage 4 languages are optional. Pupils may continue their studies in any two of the three languages up to GCSE level. In French and Urdu the course followed is that offered by the AQA examining board whilst in Arabic the EdExcel course is followed. A/S Level Arabic has also been provided since 2004.

The Arabic, French and Urdu exam consists of separate tests in each of the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Pupils are entered for these examinations at either Foundation or Higher level according to ability. There is also a coursework option which requires three essays to be completed during the course. This option, if taken, replaces the written exam. The Arabic GCSE is examined through three separate tests - Listening, Reading and Writing. There is no coursework element in Arabic.

Resources

The department is well resourced with a range of equipment including overhead projectors, cassette recorders, television, video and DVD player. Plans are in hand for the provision of a language laboratory, enabling pupils to practise their listening and speaking skills individually.

Cross-curricular issues

In the learning of foreign languages there are ample opportunities for the reinforcement of literacy and Numeracy skills. Pupils are encouraged to produce homework and display work using ICT, and MFL related software installed on the library computers, to offer pupils the chance to use their ICT skills in the learning of languages.