A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.
Email: contactus@maltingsacademy.org
Tel: 01376 512911 Sixth Form: ext 1327
Student Absence: ext 1217
Fax: 01376 533511
Modern Foreign Languages
At Maltings Academy, students can study for qualifications in Spanish and French
KS3
In year 7 and 8 students at Maltings Academy study either Spanish or French throughout Key Stage 3 in ability groups. This year we have introduced a set 1 in year 7 who will study both Spanish and French.
Spanish students follow the Mira course book whilst French students follow the Expo course book.
During year 7 students learn to give information about themselves, their school, their family and their hobbies. This continues in year 8 with students learning to give information about future plans, past holidays and shopping for clothes. Students are regularly assessed in each year using National Curriculum levels in the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Set 1 will continue with at least one language to GCSE whilst other students will have the option to continue when they make option choices at the end of year 8.
KS4
From year 9 onwards students in Spanish and French follow the Edexcel GCSE course. The Edexcel GCSE course in Spanish and French consists of four units based on the following skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
The course will enable students to develop:
- an understanding of Spanish/ French in a variety of contexts
- a knowledge of Spanish/ French vocabulary and structures
- transferable language learning skills
- the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish/ French
- awareness and understanding of countries and communities where Spanish/ French is spoken.
Why should I study a language?
In her address to the House of Lords on 3rd December 2009, Baroness Coussins pointed out that the UK economy could be missing out on contracts worth up to £21 billion a year because of the lack of language skills in the workforce. She also said that three and a half years after completing their university degrees, modern linguists earn more than graduates from any other discipline except medics, architects and pharmacologists. The message to young people is clear, especially in today’s economic climate where jobs are difficult to find; not only will you benefit from language qualifications, the UK economy will benefit also.
It is also likely that employers and university admission officers will expect able students to have at least one MFL at GCSE level. Some universities have already made this a condition of entry.
In studying a foreign language, you will also learn about the cultures and customs of the countries where the language is spoken. This will add an international dimension to your range of qualifications; a quality valued by employers and higher education providers. You will also create greater opportunities for yourself to work abroad or for the growing number of companies in the UK, which trade internationally.
You will learn a range of skills, which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, being confident about speaking in public and using problem solving strategies.
Supporting Learning
Tips for Helping
The MFL Department value the support that parents and carers provide, especially when it comes to encouraging them to do additional study outside of the classroom. There are some tips in the following document to help you support your son/daughter in learning a new language. Click here to download (PDF). Students should also look at the following list of useful website to help with their study.
