Language Department
Members of Department
Mrs A Cooke (Head of Department)
Mrs E McCord
Aims
The aim is to develop the skills needed to communicate in French and Spanish. French and Spanish are some of the most common languages used globally. Learning French and Spanish gives opportunities to learn about the languages and also the cultures. It also helps with employability as many employers look for people with language skills.
Key Stage 3
French
All pupils are required to learn French in Years 8 - 10.
At Key Stage 3 pupils follow a course of study in French based on the Northern Ireland Curriculum requirements, using topic based language units, differentiated to meet the needs of all pupils, covering a wide range of practical language, integrating knowledge and understanding of how the world around them works e.g. talking about themselves, their hobbies and school, visiting France, asking for directions, ordering food or drink in a café or going shopping etc. to encourage positive attitudes to language learning and an awareness of other cultures.
Emphasis is placed on active learning in all four language skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, using interactive teaching methods, with homework, formal and informal assessments used to monitor pupil progress in language skills. Within the learning outcomes, pupils will be given the opportunity to acquire and develop the cross-curricular skills of communication, using mathematics and ICT and develop thinking skills and personal capabilities.
Useful Websites
Linguascope (password required)
Spanish
From September 2020, Key Stage 3 pupils have studied Spanish at Larne High School. Pupils will develop a range of transferable skills and qualities through their study of Spanish such as organisation, time-management and self-confidence. The study of Spanish not only develops proficiency of the language but also provides an insight into the culture of Spanish speaking countries. Pearson’s ¡Viva! 1 textbook is currently used as a guide in lessons.
Topics studied include but are not limited to:-
Self, Family & Friends
School life and Daily Routine
Food and Drink
Travelling
Talking about hobbies
Why study Spanish?
Each year, pupils will have the opportunity to research and learn about the reasons for studying Spanish in order to help them make informed subject choices when they reach the end of Key Stage 3.
Did you know?
Spanish is the 4th most spoken language in the world.
Spanish is highly valued in the business world.
After learning a few simple rules, you pronounce Spanish as it is written.
There are 21 Spanish speaking countries in the world.
Useful websites
www.quizlet.com (pupils will be issued with the class link)
Key Stage Four (GCSE)
French
Pupils can choose French as an option and follow the AQA GCSE course.
The aim is to provide all levels of ability with a meaningful experience of French and to build on the communication skills already acquired at KS3.
Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based.
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
They use French across the themes to:
understand and respond to different types of spoken language (Listening);
communicate and interact effectively in speech (Speaking);
understand and respond to different types of written language (Reading); and
communicate in writing (Writing).
Spanish
Pupils can choose Spanish as an option and follow the AQA GCSE course.
The aim is to provide all levels of ability with a meaningful experience of Spanish and to build on the communication skills already acquired at KS3.
Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based.
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
They use Spanish across the themes to:
understand and respond to different types of spoken language (Listening);
communicate and interact effectively in speech (Speaking);
understand and respond to different types of written language (Reading); and
communicate in writing (Writing).
Useful Websites
Extra-Curricular information
Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in events each year to celebrate European Day of Languages.
A language club is run by Mrs Cooke and Mrs McCord for KS3 pupils at lunchtime on Thursdays.