Welcome to the Kingsmead Academy Modern Foreign Languages Department
Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. We aim to develop our young people into confident global citizens of the 21st century who are passionate about languages and realise their importance in our ever-changing world. Our curriculum enables all students to understand and communicate in another language. This is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7,8 and 9), students start their language studies with a two week taster carousel of French, German and Spanish in Year 7, before selecting a language which they will continue in Years 8 and 9. Language learning is made vibrant and interesting by using a wide range of teaching and learning styles. We provide lessons which are engaging, challenging and stimulating to students of all abilities and encourage that sense of achievement and satisfaction which comes from successfully communicating in a foreign language. We want all students to discover their potential as individual learners who are open to new experiences, are risk-takers and imaginative thinkers.
At Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11), students can continue to study a GCSE course in French, German or Spanish, building on and developing further their knowledge and understanding. It is also possible for a student to obtain a GCSE in two foreign languages by opting to study a second foreign language from the start of Year 10. Students with two language qualifications are highly sought after and are a rarity in the current labour market. The GCSE involves assessment in the four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students follow the Edexcel GCSE course which has a real-world focus with a practical content and a focus on areas relevant to young people. Topics include Media and Technology, My Personal World, Studying and My Future, Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Travel and Tourism and My Neighbourhood.
Year 7 students are given the opportunity to take part in a Study Visit to Normandy in France, year 8 students are offered a trip to Paris and, in year 9, students get the chance to go to Germany. These trips enable students to learn first-hand more about the life and culture of the countries. They can really encounter the foreign language in action and try out their language skills shopping for souvenirs, buying food and drink and taking part in activities – an invaluable experience! Students also have the opportunity to put their German language skills into action on the Key Stage 4 Ski Trip, which is run by the PE Department.
Useful Websites/Apps
http://www.linguascope.com/ – see your teacher for username/password
https://www.wordreference.com/ – online dictionary
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize – BBC Bitesize
http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/ – Language learning activities
https://www.duolingo.com/ – Free downloadable app that challenges you to learn a language for a few minutes every day
https://www.memrise.com/app – An app to support with language learning
https://quizlet.com/features/flashcards – Free app that allows you to make mini flashcards to test vocabulary and phrases online
https://activehub.pearson.com/#/application/dashboard – KS4 only – see your teacher for your username/password
