Modern Languages

BIENVENUE!

The Modern Languages Department at Fivemiletown College is a vibrant one where pupils are encouraged and supported to:

develop the ability to use another language effectively for practical communication
derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning
develop the ability to work independently and with others
develop an understanding of another language in a variety of contexts
take their place as a citizen in a multilingual, global society
increase their levels of multicultural awareness

All pupils in Key Stage 3 learn French for 2 periods each week, studying both the fascinating linguistic and rich cultural aspects of this global language.

We are committed to making language learning relevant and interactive, and so we use a variety of ICT tools, such as Quizlet, Kahoot and Blooket.

From September 2024, all incoming Year 8 pupils will study Spanish instead of French.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 students learn to use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures and patterns. They learn to identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present and future. Through the four key skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking, they develop and use a wide-ranging vocabulary, and use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation.

In Years 8-10, the topics of study include All About Me, My Family and Home, School Life, Free Time, Holidays and Food & Drink.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students build on their learning at Key Stage 3 and have the opportunity to express themselves in longer, more structured written pieces and in more developed oral answers. Through use of past papers pupils become more confident at handling aural information and reading more complex texts.

The three Contexts for Learning on the CCEA syllabus include:

1. The Individual – Relationships, Daily Routine & Leisure, Media & New Technology, French Celebrations
2. Citizenship – Travel & Tourism, Environment, Health & Lifestyle, Social Issues
3. Employability – School life, Part-time jobs, Future plans

All GCSE language exams are taken at the end of Year 12.

Listening, Reading and Writing are offered in two tiers, Foundation and Higher. There is only one tier of entry for the Speaking exam. It is teacher-facilitated in school but externally marked.

Assessment weightings

Listening 25% 45 mins - External exam

Reading 25% 1 hr - External exam

Writing 25% 75 mins- External exam

Speaking 25% Teacher-facilitated exam

(Externally marked)

Career Opportunities

Having a language at GCSE opens many doors. It is useful for most careers, including:

Travel and Tourism,

Hospitality,

Broadcasting,

Civil Service,

Diplomatic Service,

Business Courses,

Teaching,

Trade and Industry and Law.

It is essential for Language degrees and Law/ Business degrees combined with a language. A language is often a general requirement for university entrance.

Trips

Language learners at Fivemiletown College, at both Key Stages 3 and 4, have had the unforgettable experience of cultural trips to Paris in recent years. Travel to a French speaking country is an amazing tool to enrich our pupils’ learning experience, allowing them to take their learning outside the four walls of the classroom and use it in real life contexts. Pupils also get the chance to experience all the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes Paris has to offer, along with a day at Disneyland Paris.