Modern Languages

Aims & Objectives:

The Modern Foreign Languages department at PACA is fully committed to support our students to develop their linguistic skills in French and Spanish, so that they are able to speak a foreign language but also have the opportunity to broaden their horizons about different cultures. They also strengthen their employability later on in life by achieving a GCSE in a foreign language.

Amongst other activities that the department organises, trips to France and Spain are offered on a yearly basis and have proved to have tremendous success over the last 12 years and to have enhanced students’ performance and confidence within the classroom.

This year, students will have the opportunity to visit the Normandy region of France. There, they will get the chance to practise their speaking skills, visit typical French towns and taste French food.

The students studying Spanish can immerse themselves in the daily life of a Spanish student and their families for a week. They can also welcome a Spanish student into their homes for another week. All by taking part in an exchange programme with a School in Murcia (Spain), with which PACA has developed links.

We do believe these are eye opener opportunities to put the learning in a real world as well as a way to create unforgettable memories.

Lessons & Homework

Students are given homework every week by MFL teachers. Usually one week is a learning homework and the other one is a practical homework.

Students are expected to learn regularly vocabulary and grammar to ensure progress and a good understanding of the work in the following lessons.

Assessment at KS3

Students are assessed regularly during the term and they have a formal assessment once a term in the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The assessment is on topics that are studied during the term.

Assessment at KS4

Students are assessed on a regular basis, with vocabulary and grammar tests. They prepare at least 2 pieces of controlled assessment for the writing and speaking.

Year 11 have a mock examination at the beginning of December.

Throughout the year, students practice listening and reading papers to develop examination skills and techniques.