Modern Foreign Languages

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 have four languages lessons per week (two per language studied). Pupils are placed in sets where possible. The main topics studied include: family and friends, holidays, free time activities, school and places in town. We also cover the three main verb tenses and other aspects of grammar such as adjective agreement.  The four main skills are covered in each lesson – speaking, reading, writing and listening – and we also focus on the important skill of translation.

We begin the AQA GCSE specification in Year 9, at Foundation level initially, and cover Theme 1 – Identity and Culture. Pupils also consolidate grammar points covered in earlier years and cover new verb tenses. Pupils deepen their understanding of their chosen language(s) and have the opportunity to speak and write in more detail, as well as practising the key skills of listening, reading and translation.

We continue with the AQA GCSE specification in Years 10 and 11, covering Themes 2 and 3 at Higher level, and revisiting Theme 1 in more depth. Grammar knowledge is consolidated further and pupils practise listening, reading, speaking and writing in all lessons, along with translation. Pupils will also have regular contact time with our language assistants.

We follow the AQA A level specification for all three languages. Topics covered include: family and relationships, the impact of technology in the wider world and charity work. There is also a lot of emphasis on the culture, history and politics of the target language country. A film and a book or play are studied over the two years and students also complete an Individual Research Project on a topic of their choosing.

French, German and Spanish lunchtime conversation clubs.

GCSE French, German and Spanish revision clinics.

We offer biennial trips to France and Spain, and have run a German Christmas markets trip. Past destinations have included Nice, Granada and Cologne.

We take all opportunities to enjoy languages at Farnborough Hill and we celebrate key events in the linguistic calendar throughout the year. We have run a languages radio show for European Day of Languages and have invited theatre companies into school to perform plays in other languages.