Modern Foreign Language
Back to Subjects MenuWhat is it to be a Linguist at BCHS?
Learning a modern foreign language opens up your life to new cultures and can be very empowering and confidence building. You will connect with the cultures of Spain and France by learning how to speak their languages and understand the similarities and differences in common social contexts such as family, education, holidays, environment and festivities. We consider not only France and Spain but Francophone and Hispanic countries across the world.
Subject Overview - Year 7-11
Year 7 Spanish and French overview
The four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are covered in the topic areas of:-
Describing ourselves and our family
Talking about school
Describing where we live
Describing free time activities
Grammar work is covered in accordance with the needs of the tasks.
Year 8 Spanish and French overview
The four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are covered in the topic areas of:-
Holidays and holiday activities
Festivals
Leisure time
Home and daily routine
Likes & dislikes - music, clothes, sports, technology etc
Food and eating out
Grammar work is completed in accordance with the needs of the tasks and builds on previous knowledge.
Year 9 Spanish and French overview
The four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are covered in the topic areas of:-
Holidays
School life
Family, friends and free time activities
Hobbies
Past and future events
Jobs
Environmental issues
Grammar work is completed in accordance with the needs of the tasks and builds on previous knowledge.
Year 10 and 11 Spanish and French overview
French and Spanish GCSE covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all four question papers (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/communities where Spanish and French is spoken.
- Theme 1: identity and culture
- Me, my family and friends
- Technology in everyday life
- Free-time activities
- Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Social issues
- Global issues
- Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
- My studies / Life at school
- Jobs, careers choices and ambitions
Enrichment
External speaking competition for years 7-9.
Cultural trips to France and Spain.
BCHS French and Spanish cultural days in school.
Use of online sites destined to embed vocabulary knowledge. Homework club after school.
Cultural trips to France and Spain. BCHS French and Spanish cultural days in school.
Use of online sites destined to embed vocabulary knowledge Voluntary intervention sessions at lunchtime and after school.
How do we contribute to PHSEE, British Values and SMSC?
We are constantly pointing out cultural similarities and differences as we teach the topics. The rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different beliefs are covered by the different themes studied.
For instance, when discussing the topic of school, we reflect on the common need for respect for each other and for those in authority. We consider the wide range of festivals in France and Spain, which reflect different religions and ways of life.
What careers do Languages support?
Foreign languages will make you more competitive in the workplace because you can communicate with more people. You could be a/an:
Interpreter
Translator
Teacher
Embassy employee
Multinational business person
A member of the judiciary …. and many others.
Languages is good choice for your GCSE subjects if you want to:
- keep your future subject choices open
- apply to certain British and foreign universities
- enhance your career prospects by offering proficiency in one or more modern foreign language
- be an active part of the world’s job market
- enjoy the diversity of cultures available to the multi-linguist
Languages are part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), a set of core subjects which can help you choose your GCSE options (and which are also used as a measure for schools).
