Modern Languages
- Modern Languages
- Ethos & Values
- Knowledge & Skills
- Resources & Facilities
- Courses & Qualifications
- Learning Outside The Classroom
- Where Does This Take Me In The Future?
Bienvenue to the French Curriculum Area at Somercotes Academy.
This is a successful department which provides an engaging and supportive environment to our students whilst they are on their language journey. Studying a language at Somercotes Academy helps our students to develop the cultural knowledge and linguistic competences necessary to compete in the international arena.
Please explore these pages to find out more about our Curriculum Area.
Ethos & Values
- To enhance the students' experience of language learning, through the effective delivery of the curriculum, using outstanding resources.
- To encourage independent language learning.
- To have consistently high expectations and match these with high quality resources and learning strategies.
- To provide a range of educational experiences appropriate to the age, ability and needs of our students.
- To adopt a philosophy of continuous improvement in all aspects of French.
Knowledge & Skills
Students develop their four skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing in a variety of contexts to prepare them for language use in the global community. We cater for a range of different learning styles: visual, aural and kinaesthetic. There is scope for students' personal growth as learners through active participation in lessons and through homework. The curriculum allows students to communicate effectively, and with confidence, both orally and in writing, in a variety of styles and situations in the target language.
Students are encouraged to express personal opinions and communicate effectively in a range of "real life" situations; for example, ordering food in a restaurant and asking for information about a town.
Our MFL Computer Room provides students with the opportunity to enhance all skills in French and it also grants a further opportunity for aural practise through the use of headphones.
Resources & Facilities
There are currently two language classrooms in the Curriculum Area; one of which is a computer room. This enables the students to access Languagenut and other online activities and resources. In addition to this, we provide the students with the latest edition textbooks and exercise books.
Mrs Lee and Miss Bett teach in the Language department at Somercotes Academy. Both teachers are highly motivated and encourage the students to learn and enjoy French. Mrs Lee runs a lunchtime revision session for GCSE students and an after-school revision session, which is always well attended. There is a popular French choir which has performed both outside and inside of the Academy.
We have organised a trip to see a play entirely in French and we have arranged for the choir to sing in a Care Home.
Courses & Qualifications
Key Stage 3:
Students follow a three-year scheme of work in Modern Foreign Languages.
Key Stage 4:
GCSE French (AQA) is taught over two years.
The exams are weighted:
- Written exam 25%
- Speaking exam - 25%
- Reading exam - 25%
- Listening exam - 25%
Learning Outside The Classroom
French Choir
Students have the opportunity to learn songs in French and perform in our Winter and Summer Showcases.
Languagenut
All students have access to this online resource and it can be used at home.
Where Does This Take Me In The Future?
- Learning a language provides opportunities for students who may wish to be employed in the world of Business.
- Learning a language provides transferable skills, knowledge and understanding for the ever-changing world.
- GCSE Language qualifications provide a springboard to further and higher programmes of study.
UK companies lose business because of language barriers. At Somercotes Academy, we aim to provide our students with opportunities to make themselves stand out to future employers. Linguistic competence is a much sought-after skill.
