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Modern Languages Department Information
We currently teach French to all pupils in year 7 and then introduce Spanish in year 8 to those pupils who have shown a talent and enthusiasm for languages.
All pupils continue with languages until the end of year 9 and in line with new Government policy, pupils with a desire to attend University and pursue academia are encouraged to study at least one language at GCSE.
As a result of this change in legislation and our desire to produce top quality candidates for University approximately 190 pupils currently study a language at GCSE. We are delighted with the support that this has received from parents and pupils alike and feel that we are giving our students the best possible opportunities.
The Modern Languages Department has a very positive outlook and all colleagues work hard, collaboratively and successfully.
We work hard to ensure that pupils are given plenty of chance to use their language skills abroad and currently offer trips to France and Spain in years 7,9,10,and 11. We also have a very popular link with Arsenal Football club which has really helped inspire our pupils.
Curriculum & Results in 2011
At GCSE level in French and Spanish the department follows the syllabus of the AQA Examinations Group. In addition to French and Spanish, there are numerous other foreign language examinations taken by our pupils. Bengali, Chinese, Arabic, Greek, Russian, Swahili, Italian, German, Turkish and Portuguese are just some of the examinations taken in recent years. I am pleased to say that the vast majority of pupils examined in these languages achieve excellent results which have really helped them with their future plans.
Key Stage 4/5:
68% of pupils achieved A*-C grades in MFL in 2011.
The percentage of pupils achieving A*-C grades at GCSE is usually 70% or above. At Key Stage 3 the proportion of pupils achieving Level 5+ is invariably above Borough and National figures.
A Level remains at Robert Clack for its 3rd year and despite small classes the school is committed to its success, especially in light of the increased numbers taking languages at KS4. We are proud to report that one of our A Level pupils has gone on to study French and Law at University and we are sure that she will not be the last to pursue languages after leaving Robert Clack School.
A Levels were also taken in German, Portuguese and Russian and these additional UCAS points have proved vital in pupils obtaining University places. We are delighted that we have been able to assist in this way and look forward to helping other pupils explore their home languages.
Staff
The Modern Languages Department comprises of five full-time teachers and two part-time teachers. The current Subject Leader is Miss K Sturman and the KS3 Subject Leader is Miss C Thomas. This is however about to change due to Miss Sturman leaving to have a baby. The department will be temporarily left in the very capable hands of Miss Thomas.
Colleagues are required to teach on both the Lower and Upper School sites across age and ability ranges. After a period of change which saw three retirements we now have a very stable staffing situation and staff are delighted to be able to teach at all age ranges and ability. It is also an excellent opportunity for the Spanish speakers as Spanish is constantly gaining in popularity. Colleagues work fruitfully together on sites, sharing resources and expertise, and weekly meetings as a department. Often department meetings are used for collaborative work such as the monitoring of pupils’ exercise books, joint moderation of pupil coursework etc.
We are a very focussed department and one which fully understands how fortunate it is to have the backing of the Senior Management Team. At a time when nationally Modern Foreign Languages are in crisis we are bucking the trend and really relishing the opportunities afforded to us!
Languages revision material
Subject Downloads Key Stage 3
Useful Links
The curriculum is outstanding and meets the needs of students extremely well. A wide range of vocational courses and work-related opportunities at Key Stage 4 offer helpful pathways into training and employment. Provision for personal, health, social and citizenship education is excellent and supports students' personal development successfully as well as providing exciting opportunities for developing enterprise and work-related skills.
