Languages
Homework is an essential part of language learning and pupils have at least one homework a week.
They are able to consolidate their learning, prepare spoken tasks or complete written assignments.
Tips for parents.
A bi-lingual dictionary is useful.
Do offer to help with testing your child's learning.
Provide access to web-based language activities which can be very helpful.
In years 10 & 11, buy a GCSE Revision Guide (available from language staff).
Methodology
All 4 language skills ( listening, speaking, reading and writing ) are equally important.
Teaching in the Department focuses on communication and grammatical structures. Language games, ICT work and pairwork .
Language lessons for full classes are taught in 2 rooms. A small room, off the main teaching room, is equipped with computers and listening centres for small group and individual work.
Resources.
Text books
French: Expo 1,2,3,& 4 (Heineman)
German: Logo 1, 2, 3 & 4. We are also introducing Echo for Year 9 and above. ( both published by Heineman).
Assessment.
KS3 (years 7, 8 & 9)
Each module of work is followed by a short modular test.
KS4 (years 10 & 11 )
Modular tests are used in addition to past examination papers. In Year 10 there is an end of year examination. Year 11 mock examinations are held in December and speaking examinations are conducted in March/April. GCSE examinations in Languages test all 4 skills of listening, speaking, reading & writing equally
(25% per skill). From 2009 coursework will no longer feature in GCSE examinations.
Extra-curricular
The school has successfully run an annual exchange with College Yves Montand in Le Theil-sur Huisne in Southern Normandy for the past 10 years.
Each year, in May, we take between 30 and 40 pupils to stay with their exchange partners. Tenbury pupils receive a French guest to stay for a week in the autumn term. Our Exchange offers an important cultural and linguistic opportunity which enables our pupils and their families.
Tenbury High School Specialist Science & Mathematics College Extended School
Headteacher Mr S.Cooke
Assistant Headteachers Mrs A Bellamy Mrs J Herschy
Message to Parents
Dear Parents
Thank you for your support of the French Exchange. Unfortunately we have had to cancel this year's Exchange due to a lack of take up from the pupils in Year 8 and 9 who were eligible to take part.
However, watch this space for future developments regarding opportunities for travel to France.
(Pupils who have already agreed to take part in the Exchange will be bringing home letters for parents).
Best wishes Mrs P Geddie
Head of MFL
MODERN LANGUAGES
Head of Department: Mrs P Geddie
Syllabus:
GCSE French / GCSE German
Edexcel
www.edexcel.com
Study a foreign language at GCSE and broaden your horizons. Develop an appreciation of other cultures and gain more self-confidence. Above all, improve your chances in the European and world wide job market of the 21st century. No matter what career you choose, employers will look upon you more favourably if you have studied a foreign language. In addition, most universities expect students to have some knowledge of a modern foreign language.
Time Allocation:
2 hours per week
Future Education Opportunities:
A GCSE grade in a Foreign Language will give you entry to higher level courses extending the language you have already studied. For AS/A2 study you will need to take Higher Level papers and achieve a B grade or higher. A good foundation grade will be useful for students wishing to study OND/HND for many subjects including Travel and Tourism, Catering and Sport and Leisure.
Assessment:
Whether taking 1 or 2 languages at GCSE, pupils will be assessed in listening, reading, speaking and writing at either Foundation or Higher levels.
The productive skills of speaking and writing are each worth 30% of the total marks and will be assessed under controlled conditions during Years 10 and 11.
The receptive skills of Listening and Reading are each worth 20% of the total marks and will be examined at the end of the course in Year 11.
The GCSE examination requires pupils to perform at examination level without the use of a dictionary but as a learning aid we recommend a suitable dictionary to assist with homework and the preparation of written French/German.
Candidates can be entered for each attainment target at either foundation or higher level.
FOUNDATION Grades = G to C
HIGHER Grades = D to A*
Future Career Opportunities:
Account Executive, Administrative Assistant, Bilingual Customer Service Executive, Cabin Crew, Researcher, English Teacher, European Marketing Executive, Civil Servant, Insurance Clerk, Language Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Lettings Negotiator, Library Administrator, Marketing Assistant, Ministerial Drafter, PR Account Executive, Receptionist, Recruitment Consultant, Sales Coordinator, Teacher of Business English, Trainee Chartered Accountant, Translation Checker, University Administrator
Teacher of Modern Languages, Interpreter, Broadcast Journalist, Tour Guide, Holiday Representative.