Wirral Grammar School

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Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

Curriculum Areas

Our curriculum provides for our pupils in terms of both their abilities and interests. We do not leap onto "trends" in terms of subject choices, but provide a curriculum that evolves in line with experience and a sensitive knowledge of the needs of the pupils.

In years 7 to 9 the National Curriculum is followed. Our timetable currently comprises 50 lessons taught over a two week cycle (A & B). Each lesson is 60 minutes long.

In KS4 (years 10&11) boys are able to choose certain subjects, and are guided through the process in year 9 when parents are invited to attend an Options Information Evening.

Subjects

Modern Foreign Languages

French - Parents Information

KS3 French Curriculum Guide
  - Click on the document image or the title to download this parental information pack

Spanish - Parents Information

KS3 Spanish Curriculum Guide
  - Click on the document image or the title to download this parental information pack

KS3

French is the language that is studied throughout Key Stage 3. Spanish is studied in Year 8 and Year 9

In the knowledge society of the 21st Century, language competence and inter-cultural understanding are not optional extras. In fact, we believe that they are an essential part of being a citizen.

By learning another language, we gain an insight into the people, culture and traditions of other countries, and it helps us to understand our own language and culture.

We introduce French as a new subject in various contexts, such as family, home, likes and dislikes, descriptions of people and school life.

Work takes place in all four Attainment Targets (Listening & Responding, Speaking, Reading and Responding and Writing).

KS4

The GCSE examination to be sat in 2011 for French and Spanish will differ in line with the changes to the KS4 curriculum. Following a course in GCSE French and Spanish should encourage students to derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning, and be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. Learners should recognise that their linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills help them to take their place in a multilingual global society and also provide them with a suitable basis for further study and practical use of the language. The GCSE French and Spanish specification should prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.

The GCSE specification in French and Spanish will enable learners to:
- develop understanding of the language in a variety of contexts
- develop knowledge of the language and language learning skills
- develop the ability to communicate effectively in the language
- develop awareness and understanding of countries and communities where the language is spoken.

Candidates will be required to:
- listen and respond to different types of language
- communicate in speech for a variety of purposes
- read and respond to different types of written language
- communicate in writing for a variety of purposes
- use and understand a range of vocabulary and structures
- understand and apply the grammar of the language, as detailed in the specification

The content that will be studied will cover the following broad contexts:
- Personal and Social Life
- The Local Community
- The World of Work
- The Wider World
- Personal and social life
- External Assessment

Like the old format, the examination consists of alternative papers is two tier in the reading and listening sections i.e. Foundation and Higher. There is no longer a coursework element. Unit 1, the listening section, is worth 20% of the overall marks with verbal and non-verbal responses in English. Unit 2, the speaking section (untiered) is worth 30% of the overall examination and consist of two tasks (a structured conversation, presentation and discussion). Unit 3, the reading section is worth 20% of the overall marks consisting of reading comprehensions with verbal and non-verbal responses in English. Finally Unit 4, the writing section/ controlled assessment (untiered) is worth 30% of the overall marks consisting of two written tasks from different contexts.

KS5

French/ Spanish - Examination Board AQA

This course is designed to encourage candidates to:

• develop the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE level and use the language learned in a wide range of contexts
• gain a useful insight into another culture and reflect on aspects of contemporary society
• enhance their employment prospects, facilitate foreign travel and experience the enjoyment and motivation of improving their linguistic level.

• Media: TV, advertising and communication technology
• Popular culture: cinema, music and fashion/trends
• Healthy living/lifestyle: sport/exercise, health and well-being and holidays
• Family/relationships: relationships within the family, friendships and marriage/partnerships.

• Unit 1: Listening, Reading and Writing
• Unit 2: Speaking Test.

• Environment: pollution, energy and protecting the planet
• The multi-cultural society: immigration, integration and racism
• Contemporary social issues: wealth and poverty, law and order and the impact of scientific and technological progress
• Cultural topic: the study of a target language speaking region/community or the study of a period of 20th century history from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a novelist/dramatist/poet from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a director/architect/musician/painter from a target language-speaking country/ community.

• Unit 3: Listening, Reading and Writing
• Unit 4: Speaking Test.