Learning a foreign language opens a world of new possibilities and helps students see the opportunities that are there waiting for them in life. Through languages, we want to promote students’ curiosity, their ability to solve problems and to deepen their understanding of their own identity and culture, as well as gain an insight into other countries. It is through languages that we can encourage students to see that they are ‘Global citizens’, that the world is an exciting place where new experiences can be made real through the ability to communicate with someone in their own language. Employers seek people who can engage with others and having a level of competency in a language gives a person a skill that is highly valued in the world of work.

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart” Nelson Mandela.

Mrs J Edwards

Director of Learning for Languages

Mrs V Grego

Subject Lead (French)

Mrs D Thacker

Subject Lead (Spanish)

Learning a foreign language helps to broaden minds and provides an opening to experience other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable students to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping students to study and work in other countries.

Key Stage 3

Teaching will be of French or Spanish and should build on the foundations of language learning laid at Key Stage 2, whether students continue with the same language or take up a new one. Teaching should focus on developing the breadth and depth of students’ competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, based on a sound foundation of core grammar and vocabulary. It should enable students to understand and communicate personal and factual information that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, developing and justifying points of view in speech and writing, with increased spontaneity, independence and accuracy. It should provide suitable preparation for further study.

We aim to ensure that all students...

understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources
speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation
can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt
discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.

Enrichment opportunities

Visit to the Botanical Gardens
Holyhead Art Exhibition
Aerobic session with PE
Holyhead French cafe
Homework club
Visit to Cadbury World

Linguistic competence

Students will be taught to…

listen to a variety of forms of spoken language to obtain information and respond appropriately
transcribe words and short sentences that they hear with increasing accuracy
initiate and develop conversations, coping with unfamiliar language and unexpected responses, making use of important social conventions such as formal modes of address
express and develop ideas clearly and with increasing accuracy, both orally and in writing
speak coherently and confidently, with increasingly accurate pronunciation and intonation
read and show comprehension of original and adapted materials from a range of different sources, understanding the purpose, important ideas and details, and provide an accurate English translation of short, suitable material
read literary texts in the language [such as stories, songs, poems and letters], to stimulate ideas, develop creative expression and expand understanding of the language and culture

Grammar and vocabulary

Students will be taught to…

identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present, past, and future as appropriate to the language being studied
use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures and patterns, including voices and moods, as appropriate
develop and use a wide-ranging and deepening vocabulary that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, allowing them to give and justify opinions and take part in discussion about wider issues
use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, students can choose to study the AQA GCSE French or the AQA GCSE Spanish course. These qualifications counts towards the 'Languages element' of the English Baccalaureate.

AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in French

Qualification aims and objectives

Courses based on this specification should enable students to:

develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, conveying what they want to say with increasing accuracy
express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently
listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed
deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary to increase their independent use and understanding of extended language in a range of contexts
acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to authentic spoken and written material, adapted and abridged, as appropriate, including literary texts
develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where French is spoken
make appropriate links to other areas of the curriculum to enable bilingual and deeper learning, where the language may become a medium for constructing and applying knowledge
develop language learning skills both for immediate use and prepare them for further language study in school, higher education or employment
develop language strategies, including repair strategies.

AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Spanish

Qualification aims and objectives

Courses based on this specification should encourage students to develop their ability and ambition to communicate with native speakers in speech and writing. The study of Spanish should also broaden their horizons and encourage them to step beyond familiar cultural boundaries and develop new ways of seeing the world.

Courses based on this specification should enable students to:

develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, conveying what they want to say with increasing accuracy
express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently
listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed
deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary to increase their independent use and understanding of extended language in a range of contexts
acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to authentic spoken and written material, adapted and abridged, as appropriate, including literary texts
develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where Spanish is spoken
make appropriate links to other areas of the curriculum to enable bilingual and deeper learning, where the language may become a medium for constructing and applying knowledge
develop language learning skills both for immediate use and prepare them for further language study in school, higher education or employment
develop language strategies, including repair strategies.

AQA-8658-SP-2016.PDF

French

AQA-8698-SP-2016.PDF

Spanish

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 5, students can choose to study the AQA Level 3 GCE A Level French or Spanish course.

AQA Level 3 GCE A Level in French

Course Overview

Are you a linguist in the making? Are you good with words? Do you get a thrill out of being able to communicate with others in a language other than English? Being willing to have a go at speaking is a brilliant place to start. The A-level French course builds on skills you have developed in your GCSE. A-level French helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in French and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where French is spoken. It develops an interest in and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context.

Skills needed

You need to be passionate, enthusiastic and curious about French culture, as well as confident in your ability to communicate with others. You should be well organised and not afraid of the challenges posed by grammar in a foreign language!

Enrichment opportunities

Trips to the cinema and theatre, University French Days, a trip to France, and French conferences at local universities. We also look to provide students with a Grammar booster session.

Sixth Form entry requirements

5 GCSE 4-9/A*-C Grades including a Grade 4 in both English and Mathematics

Specific minimum GCSE entry requirements

(Grade C = 4/low-mid 5; Grade B = high 5 - 6; Grade A = 7) Grade 6 in French.

AQA Level 3 GCE A Level in Spanish

Course Overview

This course delves deeper into the rich diversity of the Hispanic world, enhancing the students’ linguistic skills while furthering their understanding of the cultures and societies where Spanish is spoken. This course will be challenging, stimulating and immensely rewarding to those who are curious to broaden their horizons.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

Languages Poster.pdf