MFL

Bienvenue Willkommen Bienvenido

To the Languages Department

Three languages are taught at Carmel College throughout the key stages to GCSE, AS and A2 level. All pupils are introduced to a foreign language in Yr 7 and most students take up a second language in Yr 8. Languages are no longer compulsory in key stage 4, but we encourage our students to continue studying at least one language to GCSE level because we believe they are of great value in the world of work and a passport to the future in the 21st century.

We are justly proud of our Department at Carmel and the dedicated staff who work hard to ensure our students become competent linguists. There are 6 full time members of staff, and two additional people who work in the Department. They are:-

Mrs. N. Hickman - Head of Department
Miss S. Dunleavy
Mrs. R. Frank
Mrs. L. Hunter
Mr. T. Read
Miss L. Cutts

Mrs. N. McCabe - classroom assistant

Key Stage 3

All students in key stage 3 are studying French. They are taught in mixed ability groups throughout this key stage and - according to aptitude - most students begin learning a second language in Year 8. At the moment, Year 8 and Year 9 students are studying Spanish. Teaching is topic based and by the end of the key stage the students will have covered most of the following areas:-

Personal Identity
Family and Pets
School Life
Free time and Hobbies
Geographical Area and Weather
House and Home
Daily Routine
Food and Drink
Clothes and Fashion
Holidays
Media
Customs and Celebrations

The coursebooks used are 'Equipe' for French, 'Anstoss' for German and 'Listos' for Spanish.

Key Stage 4

All languages studied at GCSE level follow the AQA Full Course Specification A, which can been viewed at http://www.aqa.org.uk At present Yr 10 students are studying French and/or German and Yr11 students are taking French and/or Spanish.

We have opted to do the coursework component of the examination, which replaces the written test. This involves the students submitting three pieces of work for assessment. The speaking examination is conducted by the subject tutors, taped and marked externally. The students also have a listening and a reading examination. For the listening, speaking and reading components of the GCSE, students are entered at either foundation or higher tier, depending on their ability in the language.

Themes and Topics

The syllabus sets out the following areas for study:-

My World
Self, family and friends
Interests and hobbies
Home and local environment
Daily routine
School and future plans

Holiday Time and Travel
Travel, transport and finding the way
Tourism
Accommodation
Holiday activities
Services

Work and Lifestyle
Home life
Healthy living
Part-time jobs and work experience
Leisure
Shopping

The Young Person in Society
Character and personal relationships
The environment
Education
Careers and future plans
Social issues, choices and responsibilities

AS and A2

Advanced Subsidiary courses were introduced in September 2000 and are designed to provide an appropriate assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills in languages expected of candidates who have completed the first half of a full Advanced Level qualification.

French, German and Spanish are studied to AS and A2 level and follow the AQA syllabus. The Scheme of Assessment has a modular structure, comprising two compulsory assessment units for AS level and an additional two units for A2.