Curriculum Overview                                                         

Philosophy and Aims

The learning of a language helps to prepare students for a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are often carried out in a language other than English. International commerce means that students need to be equipped with the skills needed in the international workplace. We aim to develop students' confidence and competence in language learning as well as to exploit cultural links and opportunities. Once the skills of language acquisition are mastered in one modern foreign language, the same skills are transferable to other languages.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 all students are set according to ability, and are taught in mixed classes of boys and girls.

• Year 7

Students learn Spanish. Although some students may have learned other languages in their primary schools, we build on previous language learning, drawing from their previous experiences. Students study a variety of topics to give them a basic understanding of the language. Most students achieve at least STEP 4 by the end of Year 7 and many go beyond that level of progress.

• Year 8

Students who studied German in Year 7 continue to learn German until the end of year 9.

Students who studied Spanish in Year 7 continue to learn Spanish until the end of Year 9.

• Year 9

During year 9 students will have a choice of whether to continue with their studies in KS4, to gain a GCSE in German or Spanish depending on the language studied throughout Key Stage 3.

Those students who have achieved a Level 6 or higher in German, or STEP 6 in Spanish will be encouraged to take that language at GCSE.


Key Stage 4 - GCSE

In Key Stage 4 all students are taught in mixed ability classes consisting of boys and girls.

• Year 10 and Year 11

Currently, Spanish, German and French are available to GCSE level. However, in order to provide continuity, students will continue with their current language study towards GCSE. This means that in future years, Key Stage 4 students will be continuing to study Spanish and German only at GCSE.