Modern Foreign Languages

What languages do children learn at Fernwood?

In Year 7 pupils start either French or German, depending on what tutor group they are in, and have two lessons per week.

In Year 8 pupils continue with their starter language for one hour a week and pick up the second language, of which they will have two lessons per week.

At the end of Year 8, we ask pupils to choose one language to take forward into Year 9 and beyond.

What language topic areas are covered at KS3?

First years		Second years		Third years
FRENCH	GERMAN	FRENCH	GERMAN	FRENCH	GERMAN
About myself School Free time Family and animals Where I live	About myself Family and animals Free time School Where I live	Holidays Media and music Being healthy My ambitions	Holidays Media and music Being healthy My ambitions	Where I live My ambitions Rights and responsibilities Special holiday	Role models Music My ambitions Memories

Do pupils have to take a GCSE in French or German?

Languages are part of the option choice system for GCSE. The vast majority of our pupils take a language for GCSE as they realise that languages are an important life skill and are becoming increasingly important in the world of work. Following on from KS3, pupils are in a position to choose French or German, or they can take both languages to GCSE. French and German remain the two most sought-after languages for business in the UK. We currently use the AQA specification (French 8658, German 8668)

Who teaches languages at Fernwood?

We have a team of seven highly-skilled language specialists, who are able to teach both French and German.

What are language lessons like at Fernwood?

Pupils are immersed in the language from the very beginning where French and/or German is used as the main means of communication. Indeed, participation and communication are key. Pupils are fully supported and rewarded for using the foreign language. We believe in learning by doing, and this has proved to be very successful and enjoyable.

Does Fernwood have any links with France and Germany?

Our Year 8 students are given the opportunity to go to either France or German (we alternate between the two countries) and we are currently in the process of establishing some links with schools in France and Germany for our KS4 pupils.