Head of Department: Mrs Smith
Direct Dial Telephone: 01344 465051
Email: hsmith@brakenhale.bracknell-forest.sch.uk

Aims

• to be able to communicate with others in another language
• to foster language awareness in the wider world
• to promote cultural awareness

In an increasingly multi-cultural world it is essential to understand the process of language learning so that communication barriers are broken down.

By learning a language, Brakenhale students not only develop the skills to communicate in another of the world's major languages, but also to be accommodating of difficulties non-English speaker have when communicating with them.

In Year 7, one half of the year group learns Spanish and one half learns French. Students showing a talent for languages will have the opportunity to take up the other language in addition to their first as they progress up the school.

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Key Stage 3

At the start of Year 7, many students have little or no prior knowledge of other languages. We endeavour to make language lessons fun and active in order to create an enthusiasm for the subject that will take the students on to more serious study in Key Stage 4.

In line with The National Framework, the focus in Key Stage 3 is on how to learn a language, how to recognise and use patterns and structure and how to develop strategies to make learning easier.

At KS3 the topics included are:-

• Family
• Home
• School
• Leisure activities
• In town
• Food and drink
• Clothes
• Holidays
• Illnesses
• Daily routine

All students are assessed in the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

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Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, students study for the GCSE examination offered by the Edexcel examinations board. The study of function and grammar becomes more in depth as students learn to express their opinions on key topics.

Students draw on prior knowledge and develop their ability to express themselves and to understand the differing way of life in French speaking countries around the world.

At KS4 the topics included are:-

• My World
• Holiday time & travel
• Work & lifestyle
• The young person in society
• Leisure and Tourism

Students are assessed in all four skills: a Speaking examination (the "Oral") conducted by their own class teacher; a Written examination; a Reading examination and a Listening examination (the "Aural").

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Post 16

Exedcel AS and A2 in French are offered. Details of the syllabuses may be found on the Edexcel website:
http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/gce/mfl/adv/9190/

Teaching and Learning

• Two lessons per week in Key Stage 3 allow for continuity of learning for students.
• The subject is taught by subject specialists who have an in-depth knowledge of the language.
• Teaching has consistently received positive feedback from internal/LEA/HMI observations.
• Lessons are clearly planned and are well structured to allow all students to make progress.
• All four skills are regularly practiced and assessed.

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Resources

• New, colourful and well set-out text books (Expo and Mira published by Heinemann) with colour flashcards, workbooks, audio materials in both Key Stage 3 and 4.
• Foreign Language Assistant for Speaking lessons.
• A variety of additional audio materials.
• Supplementary Reading materials.
• Videos, DVDs, ICT programmes and PowerPoint presentations.
• A variety of games and puzzles.

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Special Events

Proposed future events include a trip to Northern France, and a visit to Paris with the Art Department.

Other Information

Only 6% of the world’s population are native English speakers.

75% speak no English at all.

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