Modern Foreign Languages
Saint Martin’s offers two languages: French and Spanish. All students study French at Key Stage 3, and then have the option to take up Spanish at GCSE in Year 9, either in addition to, or instead of French.
Students learn the 4 skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing, and at KS3, we concentrate on learning and developing the basic principles of practical language, such as ordering food in a restaurant, asking for directions, and booking hotel rooms and travel plans. At KS4, we follow the Edexcel specification, and we develop students’ existing linguistic ability, with emphasis on more advanced and mature writing and speaking. Traditional grammar forms an important part of what we teach, but we believe it is equally important for students to be confident in getting their message across and making themselves understood. Building and encouraging confidence, spontaneity and enthusiasm is central to our departmental vision, and we have this year employed a French Foreign Language Assistant to work with the KS4 students on their speaking skills. A native Spanish speaker also visits the school on an occasional basis to conduct conversation classes with GCSE students.
The GCSE studied at KS4
We offer French and Spanish at GCSE, following the Edexcel specification. Most students will be required to study a language at GCSE, but may if they wish, choose to study both.
In French, students continue to develop and build on the learning that they have started at KS3, and learn to become more creative and independent in manipulating the language.
In Spanish, students start as Beginners towards the end of Year 8, and study an intensive language course for the three years, in order to attain the same standard as in French by the end of Year 11. For this reason, we recommend that students who wish to study Spanish have demonstrated an above-average linguistic ability at KS3, and to be self-starters and self-motivated in their learning.
Topic areas studied are the same for both languages:
Students are examined in the four language skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Exams in all 4 skills are sat at the end of Year 11.
Students learn the 4 skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing, and at KS3, we concentrate on learning and developing the basic principles of practical language, such as ordering food in a restaurant, asking for directions, and booking hotel rooms and travel plans. At KS4, we follow the Edexcel specification, and we develop students’ existing linguistic ability, with emphasis on more advanced and mature writing and speaking. Traditional grammar forms an important part of what we teach, but we believe it is equally important for students to be confident in getting their message across and making themselves understood. Building and encouraging confidence, spontaneity and enthusiasm is central to our departmental vision, and we have this year employed a French Foreign Language Assistant to work with the KS4 students on their speaking skills. A native Spanish speaker also visits the school on an occasional basis to conduct conversation classes with GCSE students.
The GCSE studied at KS4
We offer French and Spanish at GCSE, following the Edexcel specification. Most students will be required to study a language at GCSE, but may if they wish, choose to study both.
In French, students continue to develop and build on the learning that they have started at KS3, and learn to become more creative and independent in manipulating the language.
In Spanish, students start as Beginners towards the end of Year 8, and study an intensive language course for the three years, in order to attain the same standard as in French by the end of Year 11. For this reason, we recommend that students who wish to study Spanish have demonstrated an above-average linguistic ability at KS3, and to be self-starters and self-motivated in their learning.
Topic areas studied are the same for both languages:
- Identity and Culture
- School
- Local Area, Holiday, Travel
- Future Aspirations, Study & Work
- International & Global Dimension
Students are examined in the four language skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Exams in all 4 skills are sat at the end of Year 11.