modern languages

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When students enter year 8 in De La Salle they get the opportunity to study either French or Spanish which they continue throughout the course of Key Stage 3. We follow the CCEA Online Language Assessment (OLA) specification at Entry 2 and Entry 3 levels and aim to achieve Entry 2 and Entry 3 certification.  

Why study OLA?

· The topics studied allow students to practice their listening, speaking, reading, writing and 

   translation skills.

· It provides students with a sound basis for further study of their target language

· It builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding that students have acquired at the 

   initial stage of language learning.

· It enhances the student’s self-esteem and self-confidence, enabling them to be successful 

   within the framework of a publicly recognized and accredited examinations system.

· It uses a series of short, manageable and clearly defined steps to help linguists reach the 

   GCSE threshold.

The following topics are studied over the course of Years 8-10: Self, Family and Friends, Home life and Daily Routine, Hobbies and Interests, School, Eating Out, Getting Around, Public Services, Shopping, Weather, Work and Continuing Education.

Resources at Key Stage 3

In addition to language-specific software we also use the brand new Viva 1 and Dynamo 1 textbooks  

Students who opt to study French at GCSE follow the CCEA specification which covers three main contexts for learning:

• Identity, lifestyle and  culture
• Local, national, international and global areas of interest
• School life, studies and the world of work.

The GCSE course gives students the opportunity to develop their language skills and widen their awareness and understanding of target language countries/communities.  This specification focuses on the practical use of French and is a sound basis for progression to further study, higher education or employment.  It benefits students by helping them to develop their knowledge of and enthusiasm for language learning. Furthermore, it develops confidence to communicate effectively in the target language and ultimately helps students to take their place as citizens in a multilingual, global society.

Spanish will be also offered as a GCSE option in the very near future. Languages are now a popular GCSE choice among our students. 

Examinations at GCSE

Students take examinations in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Each unit is worth 25% of the total overall grade at GCSE. For the Listening, Reading and Writing units, students can enter at either Foundation Tier or Higher Tier. The Speaking unit is untiered. The speaking exam is conducted by the teacher.

The new grading system runs from A* - G

Resources at Key Stage 4

To support the learning and teaching of French at Key Stage 4 we use AQA GCSE Foundation and Higher textbooks, in addition to supplementary resources.