Languages
French
KS3
The intent of the French Curriculum
The French curriculum at Sir John Leman High School has been created with the intention of developing cultural awareness and understanding, alongside enabling students to communicate successfully in the target language. Our curriculum provides students with the opportunity to learn and use French in practical situations, to discover the culture and customs of Francophone countries and to encourage a positive attitude to foreign language learning and culture.
Studying a language has many benefits for the brain, language lessons promote vital communication skills and encourage mental agility, supporting and assisting pupils with other areas of the curriculum (literacy, numeracy, geography, computing), and providing them with a distinct advantage in an increasingly global community; knowledge of at least one foreign language is a significant asset in the job market.
The teachers in our Languages faculty are active and passionate about their specialism, committed to exploring creative ways of passing on our enthusiasm for languages to the students at Sir John Leman High School. We regularly share ideas about the range of learning strategies involved in understanding, learning and retaining a foreign language. We believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn a language and to have a sense of achievement while doing so.
How is the French Curriculum implemented?
The KS3 French curriculum follows the Studio textbooks; starting with Allez 1 in Year 7 and working through to Allez 3 in Year 9. The vocabulary and grammar in the KS3 Allez curriculum provides students with an excellent foundation of knowledge to build on at GCSE.
Curriculum Sequencing Plan - French
The impact of the French Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3
The KS3 French curriculum at Sir John Leman High School gives students the skills, knowledge and experience to make an informed decision about pursuing their French studies at GCSE. By the end of Year 9, our students have attained a level of competence that will allow them to make a positive start to the GCSE course. As success in public examinations in MFL is a pre-requisite for the pursuance of courses in higher education and certain careers, our curriculum allows students to maximise their potential in a foreign language so that they have every opportunity available when they leave school.
How is it assessed?
Students are taught as mixed ability tutor groups in Year 7; Year 8 classes are set by ability based performance through-out Year 7 and broad ability groups are set in Year 9. Students are assessed at the end of each unit with assessments in key languages skills such as reading, listening, speaking and writing.
KS4
The intent of the French Curriculum
Studying French enables you to broaden your horizons and explore the language and culture of the French-speaking world whilst also improving your communication skills. Learning a language is a skill for life and something that students enjoy and find rewarding.
How is the French Curriculum implemented?
Building on the work undertaken in Year 9, you will develop your reading and listening skills and also practise speaking and writing French. A wide variety of topics are covered during the course. You will be encouraged to express opinions about a range of issues and explain them.
Extended learning: There are three lessons per fortnight and homework tasks are usually set on two out of the three lessons. These tasks may be: vocabulary learning, reading comprehension, a writing task based on work in the lesson or preparing for an assessment.
The impact of the French Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4
How is it examined?
During the course, there will be regular vocabulary tests within each module of work as well as practice assessment tasks in all four skills. This usually works out as one assessment in reading, listening, speaking and writing at the end of each module.
At the end of Year 11, there will be exams in the four skill areas, each providing 25% of the final grade. GCSE French has a Foundation Tier (Grades 5-1) and a Higher Tier (Grades 9-4). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. Support and guidance will be given regarding which Tier is most suitable for individuals.
What qualification will I get?
- Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in French
You could go on to study French in the Sixth Form and then at university, possibly combining it with another subject such as Law, Business, Travel and Tourism, Media or International Development. You could also use French in many local or national companies and businesses. In addition, a language at GCSE is often an entry requirement for the most competitive degree courses across a range of subjects.
Career directions could include:
Employers in many sectors welcome the problem-solving and communication skills that students develop when they study a language. French is an important language and can lead to a variety of careers in Business, Media, Law, Science, Education, Travel and Finance. Having a language qualification can open up so many opportunities and can take you all over the world working in Hospitality, the Armed Forces or teaching English abroad, the possibilities are endless! French is particularly in demand for organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières, an international medical and humanitarian organisation who work in lots of French speaking areas of Africa.
Useful Links
- www.memrise.com - strongly recommended
- www.naturalreaders.com/index.html
- http://text-to-speech.imtranslator.net/
- www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/
- www.u2learn.com
- www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french
- www.frenchrevision.co.uk
- www.cramit.co.uk
- www.quizlet.com (link on VLE)
- www.hellomylo.com
KS5
French – A-Level Qualification
Examining Body:
AQA
Entry Criteria:
Ideally Grade 6 GCSE French
Course Leader:
Mr T Wainman
Why? :
A level French develops linguists who speak spontaneously, write confidently and who can understand a wide variety of spoken and written materials. Students develop a deeper understanding of societal and cultural issues through the study of topics as wide-ranging as Francophone music, cyber-society and the culture of striking. The course also includes the study of the film Entre les murs and the French novel No et moi. A level French will provide you with a firm foundation for degree-level study or equivalent and, taken on its own or combined with another subject, could enable you to spend part of your degree in a French-speaking country.
Course Structure:
Students sit three exams covering listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and French, an essay each on the set film and text, and the speaking exam. In Year 12, you will study: Social trends: the changing nature of the family unit, ‘cyber-society’ and the role of voluntary work. Artistic culture: the nature of cultural heritage, contemporary Francophone music, French cinema Film: Entre les murs (dir. Laurent Cantet), an award-winning semiautobiographical film set in a real high school in a difficult suburb of Paris.
In Year 13, you will study: Social issues: Positive features of a diverse society, life for the marginalised, the treatment of criminals. Political life: The right to vote and political engagement, demonstrations and strikes, politics and immigration. Text: No et Moi, by Delphine de Vigan, which tells the story of a high-achieving but troubled teenager whose life changes when she befriends a homeless girl. Independent research project: Into an aspect of French society or culture. The project is assessed in the speaking exam only. A level French students will use authentic spoken and written sources from a variety of contexts and will develop the ability to discuss and analyse topics and build arguments. Students benefit from a high level of support and guidance from dedicated specialist staff at every stage of the course.
Extended Learning:
Tasks range from listening and reading comprehension to grammar and translation exercises and essay writing, in addition to focused study of the film or set text and research for the independent research project in Year 13. Students are given comprehensive guidance and supported with a list of useful online resources and websites to direct their independent work.
Spanish
KS3
The intent of the Spanish Curriculum
The Spanish curriculum at Sir John Leman High School has been created with the intention of developing cultural awareness and understanding, alongside enabling students to communicate successfully in the target language. Our curriculum provides students with the opportunity to learn and use Spanish in practical situations, to discover the culture and customs of Spanish-speaking countries and to encourage a positive attitude to foreign language learning and culture.
Studying a language has many benefits for the brain; language lessons promote vital communication skills and encourage mental agility, supporting and assisting pupils with other areas of the curriculum (literacy, numeracy, geography, computing), and providing them with a distinct advantage in an increasingly global community; knowledge of at least one foreign language is a significant asset in the job market.
The teachers in our Languages faculty are active and passionate about their specialism, committed to exploring creative ways of passing on our enthusiasm for languages to the students at Sir John Leman High School. We regularly share ideas about the range of learning strategies involved in understanding, learning and retaining a foreign language. We believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn a language and to have a sense of achievement while doing so.
Curriculum Sequencing Plan - Spanish
How is the Spanish Curriculum implemented?
The KS3 Spanish curriculum follows the Claro textbooks; starting with Claro 1 in Year 8 and working through to Claro 2 in Year 9. The vocabulary and grammar in the KS3 Claro curriculum provides students with an excellent foundation of knowledge to build on at GCSE.
The impact of the Spanish Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3
The KS3 Spanish curriculum at Sir John Leman High School gives students the skills, knowledge and experience to make an informed decision about pursuing their Spanish studies at GCSE. By the end of Year 9, our students have attained a level of competence that will allow them to make a positive start to the GCSE course. As success in public examinations in MFL is a pre-requisite for the pursuance of courses in higher education and certain careers, our curriculum allows students to maximise their potential in a foreign language so that they have every opportunity available when they leave school.
How is it assessed?
Students are taught as mixed ability tutor groups in Year 7; Year 8 classes are set by ability based performance through-out Year 7 and broad ability groups are set in Year 9. Students are assessed at the end of each unit with assessments in key languages skills such as reading, listening, speaking and writing.
KS4
The intent of the Spanish Curriculum
Studying Spanish enables you to broaden your horizons and explore the language and culture of the Spanish speaking world whilst improving your communication skills. Learning a language is a skill for life and something that students enjoy and find rewarding.
How is the Spanish Curriculum implemented?
Building on the work done in Year 9, you will develop your reading and listening skills and also practise speaking and writing Spanish. Several topics are covered during the course. You will be encouraged to express opinions about a range of issues and explain them.
Extended Learning: There are three lessons per fortnight and tasks are usually set at least two out of the three lessons. These tasks may be: vocabulary learning, reading comprehension, a writing task based on work in the lesson or preparing for an assessment.
The impact of the Spanish Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4
How is it examined?
During the course, there will be regular vocabulary tests within each module of work as well as practice assessment tasks in all four skills. This usually works out as one assessment in reading, listening, speaking and writing at the end of each module.
At the end of Year 11, there will be exams in the four skill areas, each providing 25% of the final grade. GCSE Spanish has a Foundation Tier (grades 5-1) and a Higher Tier (grades 9-4). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier.
What qualification will I get?
- Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Spanish
You could go on to study Spanish in the Sixth Form and then at university, possibly combining it with another subject such as Law, Business, Travel and Tourism, Media or International Development. You could also use Spanish in many local or national companies and businesses. In addition, a language at GCSE is often an entry requirement for the most competitive degree courses across a range of subjects.
Career directions could include
Employers in many sectors welcome the problem-solving and communication skills that students develop when they study a language. Spanish is an important and widely spoken language that can lead to a variety of careers in Business, Media, Law, Science, Education, Travel and Finance. Having a language qualification can open up so many opportunities and can take you all over the world working in hospitality, the Armed Forces or teaching English abroad, the possibilities are endless! Spanish is the official language in 21 countries and having a GCSE can take you anywhere from Spain to Peru.
KS5
Spanish – A-Level Qualification
Examining Body:
AQA
Entry Criteria:
Ideally Grade 6 GCSE Spanish
Course Leader:
Mr T Wainman
Why? :
This course develops linguists who speak spontaneously, write confidently and who can understand a wide variety of spoken and written materials. Students also develop a deeper understanding of societal and cultural issues through the study of topics as wide-ranging as, for example, Spanish regional identity, equal rights and dictatorships. The course also includes the study of the film Volver and the novel La Sombra del viento. A level Spanish will provide you with a firm foundation for degree level study or equivalent and, taken on its own or combined with another subject, could enable you to spend part of your degree in a Spanish speaking country.
Course Structure:
Students sit three exams covering listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and Spanish, an essay each on the set film and text, and the speaking exam. In Year 12, you will study: Hispanic society: modern and traditional values, cyberspace and equal rights. Artistic culture: modern-day idols, Spanish regional identity and cultural heritage. Film: Volver (dir. Pedro Almodóvar), a moving and funny award-winning film centering on the lives of a family of eccentric women and dealing with themes of life, death, loneliness and solidarity against a backdrop of urban and rural Spain. In Year 13, you will study: Hispanic society: Immigration, racism and integration. Political life: Citizens of tomorrow, monarchies and dictatorships, popular movements. Text: La Sombra del viento, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, a Spanish best-selling novel filled with intrigue, heroism, murder and star-crossed lovers. Independent research project: Into an aspect of Spanish society or culture. The project is assessed in the speaking exam only. A level Spanish students will use authentic spoken and written sources from a variety of contexts and will have opportunities for pair and group work in order to develop the ability to analyse and discuss the topics and build arguments
Extended Learning:
Tasks range from listening and reading comprehension to grammar and translation exercises and essay writing, in addition to focused study of the film or set text and research for the independent research project in Year 13. Students are given comprehensive guidance and supported with a list of useful online resources and websites to direct their independent work
Latin
KS3
The intent of the Latin Curriculum
Latin is more than the study of a language; it is more, still, than the study of the Romans, who spoke the language. Studying Latin at GCSE allows students to see the world from a Roman perspective – life, love and growing up – and to form their own perspectives.
Latin is held in high regard for the breadth and depth of what is studied. At the core is the development of both logic and sympathy. By studying Latin, you can develop these invaluable skills while delving into the stories and myths of the Roman world, as countless have done for 2,700 years. This option is only available to those who are currently studying Latin.
How is the Latin Curriculum implemented?
Language trains the student in understanding and appreciating the Latin language. Students will learn more constructions and words to broaden their understanding of Latin language. This is done using the Cambridge Latin Couse in Y7 and De Romanis across Y8 &Y9.
Classical Civilisation use original texts and sources in translation. Texts and sources on a single theme, allowing students to explore aspects of Roman life. Through adapted Latin texts, we will explore a mythological stories and the meanings behind them.
In all components, students will be expected to analyse, apply logic and give opinion. The knowledge and skills we apply in Latin will be transferable and useful for students who study English, Maths, Modern Foreign Languages and History, to name but a few.
Curriculum Road Map - Latin
Curriculum Sequencing Plan - Latin
The impact of the Latin Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3
The KS3 Latin curriculum at Sir John Leman High School gives students the skills, knowledge and experience to make an informed decision about pursuing their Latin studies at GCSE. By the end of Year 9, our students have attained a level of competence that will allow them to make a positive start to the GCSE course. As success in public examinations, Latin is a pre-requisite for the pursuance of courses in higher education and certain careers, our curriculum allows students to maximise their potential in foreign languages and humanities, as well as the scientific subjects, so that they have every opportunity available when they leave school.
How is it assessed?
Latin is taught to all groups in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9. Year 7 classes are set according to English and most able groups in Year 8 and Year 9. Students can choose to continue with Latin at the end of each academic year. Students are assessed at the end of each module with vocabulary tests, translation and comprehension tasks – results are recorded on Go4Schools.
How can I help my child
Encourage them to use the Cambridge Latin Course website (https://www.clc.cambridgescp.com/online-activities) or Memrise (https://www.memrise.com/course/1714323/leman-latin-level-1-vocabulary-by-stage/) to help them improve their grammar and vocabulary. You can also test them on their Latin vocabulary.
Career directions could include:
Academia, civil service, education, drama and performing arts, journalism, legal profession, media, medical profession, public relations, project management, programming and web design, publishing and science researcher.
Useful links for revision
- https://www.bloomsburyonlineresources.com/de-romanis/language-resources_quizlet-links
- https://www.clc.cambridgescp.com/books/book-i
KS4
The intent of the Latin Curriculum
Latin is more than the study of a language; it is more, still, than the study of the Romans, who spoke the language. Studying Latin at GCSE allows students to see the world from a Roman perspective – life, love and growing up – and to form their own perspectives.
Latin is held in high regard for the breadth and depth of what is studied. At the core is the development of both logic and sympathy. By studying Latin, you can develop these invaluable skills while delving into the stories and myths of the Roman world, as countless have done for 2,700 years.
This option is only available to those who are currently studying Latin.
How is the Latin Curriculum implemented?
Language will allow learners to develop their knowledge of Latin vocabulary, morphology and syntax so that they can read and understand unseen confected or adapted passages of Latin. Latin will also require learners to know the words which are listed in the Defined Vocabulary List (DVL) as well as other specified forms of these words. Learners will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding of syntax and accidence and DVL listed in OCR Latin GCSE specification to translate a passage of Latin, answer comprehension questions and either answer grammar within the context of a narrative passage or translate short English sentences into Latin.
Prose and Verse Literature will develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of the ancient world through the study of ancient literature and ancient sources. Learners are required to study a compulsory Language component together with two Literature components. Learners will study Latin set texts and answer questions in English on aspects of content and analyse, evaluate and respond to the ancient literature they have studied. The Literature components will require the study of between 110 and 120 lines of material in Latin. These set texts will change every two years.
In all components, students will be expected to analyse, apply logic and give opinion. The knowledge and skills we apply in Latin will be transferable and useful for students who study English, Maths, Modern Foreign Languages and History, to name but a few.
The impact of the Latin Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4
How is it examined?
The qualification is examined by written exam only.
Language: 1 hour 30 minutes, 100 marks, 50% of GCSE
Verse Literature: 1 hour, 50 marks, 25% of GCSE
Prose Literature: 1 hour, 50 marks, 25% of GCSE
What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?
-
OCR Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Latin
The qualification will enable students to study Latin at A-level; it is also very beneficial for those intending to study Classical Civilisation or Ancient History.
Career directions could include:
Latin is highly regarded by university admission tutors and employers. The logic and sympathy integral to a Classical degree can be applied across a range of creative, research and management positions. Among possible future career we find academia, civil service, design and visual arts, drama and performing arts, journalism, legal profession, media, medical profession, public relations, project management, programming and web design, publishing and science researcher.
KS5
Latin – A-Level Qualification
Examining Body:
OCR
Entry Criteria:
Ideally Grade 5 GCSE Latin
Course Leader:
Dr C Coppola
Why? :
A well-respected course with a wide range of benefits appropriate to many careers and interests, there are many reasons to study Latin. Latin trains the mind and develops logical thinking and semantics. Latin provides excellent training for careers such as advertising, law and research, even science and engineering. Above all, the most important reason for your selection of Latin as an A-level is the enjoyment of learning Latin. There is joy in successfully understanding a challenging passage and in understanding better the fascinating world which the Romans occupied. A thoughtful, logical and interesting person will be more employable and better company. These are only some of the reasons why Latin is the subject for you.
Course Structure:
The course is split into two parts, language and literature, with the language part being divided between 33% translation and 17% comprehension and the literature one divided between 25% prose text and 25% verse text. Final written exams is the only method of assessment in this course. The language element builds on the language points learnt for the Latin GCSE. Through reading original texts as written by Roman authors such as Cicero, Apuleius and Tacitus, increasingly higher levels of Latin passages can be understood and translated. The literature involves the study authors such as Virgil and Ovid. More so than the corresponding elements in GCSE Latin, the texts will be appreciated and the themes will be explored. The themes may be political scandal, moral actions, heroic actions or love; the intention is that students are able to consider the Roman views on these and form their own views in response, as well as appreciate the texts’ literary aspects. As the course progresses, students should feel increasingly confident and be increasingly fluent in translating and understanding Latin texts. Full support will be provided to facilitate the gradual improvement.
Extended Learning:
This will include preparing for a reading of the set texts, learning the ideas and features of the material and considering the themes of the ancient world. The work can take many forms, including exam style questions or mind maps. Vocabulary learning, language exercises and translations may also be set.