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Modern Foreign Languages
Staff
Ms C. Ramiandrisoa, Subject Leader
Ms L. Seguier, Subject Teacher
The Modern Foreign Languages subject area is responsible for the teaching of French and Spanish at Harris Academy Bermondsey. Students study French in Years 7 and 8 and are given the opportunity to carry on at GCSE Level. At KS4, students may also opt for Spanish.
It is an important accomplishment that students should have some familiarity with a language other than their own. In this age, travel and commerce stretch further around the globe than ever before and understanding the principles of different languages and cultural differences is vital to economic and political success. Learning a foreign language offers students an insight into another culture and broadens their horizons.
We promote Community Languages at Harris Academy Bermondsey and bilingual students are encouraged to take a GCSE in their home language. Bengali and Turkish are taught weekly after school.
National Curriculum Levels
In Modern Foreign Languages, students are assessed in four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are introduced to a foreign language in Year 7 and are often graded at Level 1. However, at the end of Year 7, some students may reach a Level 4. In Year 8, most students are expected to work from Level 3 onwards.
Homework
Homework is set once a week and students are expected to learn new vocabulary weekly. At KS4, students should spend a minimum of an hour a week to revise vocabulary and complete homework.
KS3 Curriculum Description
Year 7: Myself; Family & Friends; School; Hobbies; House and Home; Local Environment and French-Speaking Areas
Year 8: Me and my friends; Leisure activities; Holidays; Food and Lifestyle; Fashion; Health
KS4 Curriculum Description – French, Spanish & Community Languages
Lifestyle: Health, Relationships and Choices
Leisure: Free Time, the Media & Holidays
Home and Environment: Home, Local Area & Environment
Work and Education: School, College, Future plans & Jobs
Helping and supporting your child
Parents and carers do not have to speak a foreign language to help and support their child. Showing an interest in the language and speaking about their learning experience at school may encourage them. It is crucial that students learn vocabulary and practise the language skills as often as possible.
Useful links
The following websites are recommended to support language learning:
www.linguascope.com (Username and Passwords given at school)