The MFL department aims to provide students with a practical understanding of a range of European Languages. Students will develop the ability to use language for effective communication in listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as gaining an understanding of the social and cultural background of the language.
We ensure a respect for others’ beliefs and ways of life, and deliver a more global dimension to the learning of our pupils here at Harton Technology College. We believe in developing the social and cultural knowledge of our students through collaboration with schools in other countries. As part of this ethos, we offer taster sessions in Arabic to our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils. In November of Year 7, our pupils follow a series of four Arabic lessons, delivered by a native speaker. This is built upon in February of Year 8, when they go on to further develop the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge developed in their previous year.
Key Stage 3
Students begin study of a first foreign language – French, in year 7. They take part in the Arabic and Chinese projects in school and have tasters of both languages. Students also have the opportunity to experience taster sessions in both German and Spanish, in preparation for selecting a second foreign language, which is started in year 8. Students would be allowed to progress either language or both, to GCSE level.
Key Stage 3 students will become increasingly familiar with the sound, written form and grammar of a Modern Foreign Language. Their growing confidence will allow them to develop the competence to apply the knowledge gained, so that they may become increasingly independent learners and users of a foreign language. Basic skills developed will be enhanced by introduction to a wide range of topics.
Key Stage 4
Students may opt to study either or both of their Foreign Language choices at GCSE level. GCSE courses will provide a sound grounding in all four skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Study of the language at this level will also involve a detailed understanding of the grammatical structure of the language. Students will develop the skills necessary to understand and communicate using more complex sentence structures, as well as developing the ability to express a wide range of opinions. Students gain experience of working in a wide range of topic areas as outlined in the GCSE syllabus.
Vocational courses, such as NVQ Business Spanish, German and French are also available, with the opportunity to study at levels 1 or 2, as recommended by the student's language teacher. Some students will study for an ASSET qualification in their foreign language. Students with a first language other than English will be offered the chance to gain accreditation in that language. Recent examination entries have included Bengali, Russian and Farsi.
Students from both key stages are invited to participate in our regular exchanges and visits to target langauge countries in order to experience the language and culture first hand. Students are also welcome to join any of the short courses on offer after school hours, throughout the year. To date, these have included both Italian and Mandarin.
Staff
- Mrs L G White, Subject Leader, Director of Languages
- Mrs S Armstrong, i/c MFL Alternative Accreditation
- Mrs L Gibson, part-time
- Miss J Kelso, Maternity leave
- Mr F Le Goff, Assistant Subject Leader, i/c MFL Primary Liaison
- Mrs V McConville, Primary Liaison Coordinator
- Miss L Mallaby, i/c International Dimensions
- Mrs S Northen, part-time
- Mr M Pine
- Miss C Sprouting, NQT