A foreign language is not a subject which only leads to a GCSE and neither do you have to be fluent to enjoy or benefit from a knowledge of it.

It is very much a practical subject which can help you to gain greater enjoyment from a holiday as well as improve career prospects. It also helps us to learn about and understand people whose language and customs are different to ours and can make a contribution to your development as a citizen of your local community and the wider world. Learning a language can also support learning in other subjects, particularly English. For example a knowledge of the grammar of the language studied can help your understanding of English grammar and vocabulary.

It is no longer only the lucky few who are able to travel abroad on holiday. Every year millions of Britons go to one of our close European neighbours such as France, Spain and Germany. Some may visit Switzerland or Austria where German is spoken, others may travel further a field, perhaps to Tunisia where French is spoken or even to South America where Spanish is spoken.

Throughout Britain many business either buy or sell products abroad as do local companies, such as Raflatac, McCains, Dale Electric and Greaves. Lorry drivers, holiday company representatives, cabin crew on aeroplanes may all travel abroad. The tourist industry in Britain earns a great deal of money and many visitors come from abroad.

Finally, remember that at school you are learning how to learn a language and this will help you in the future if you need to study other languages. For example, Italian and Portuguese have many similarities with French and Spanish and Dutch is very close to German.

For these reasons and in line with the National Curriculum all students are offered the possibility of studying a foreign language at Key Stage 4.

 Course Content

Those students who wish to do so may choose to continue with two foreign languages. The French, German and Spanish syllabuses aim, through the themes below, to develop in students the ability to understand and use the language studied effectively, imaginatively and creatively. Similarly, courses will provide the opportunity for students to develop their understanding of the grammar of the language concerned as well as an awareness of what is involved in learning a language.

 Themes

 Assessment

Assessment of Writing will be by means of coursework or written paper. Those students who do the coursework option will be given at least five pieces to write from which the best three will be chosen. Assessment of Reading, Listening and Speaking will be by terminal examination offered in two tiers as illustrated below:

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