Modern Foreign Languages
All staff in the department are language specialists committed to making the learning of a foreign language an enjoyable and practical experience. A variety of teaching methods are used. The use of the interactive whiteboard in all lessons has proved very successful and very motivating as the variety of activities that can be offered is very wide.
We aim to give all pupils the chance to study at least one foreign language providing a supportive and striving environment in the context of whole-school policies.
In the early stages, the emphasis is on the skills of speaking and listening, moving on then to reading and writing. There is an emphasis on the use of communicative language and learning through independent learning, co-operative group and pair work.
Philosophy of the Department
We believe that the teaching and learning of a foreign language is a vital contributor to a broad, balanced and enriching curriculum for all pupils. We are committed to offering access to the study of a variety of languages to all pupils, irrespective of ability.
Objectives of the Department
Given that the distinctive contribution of foreign languages to the curriculum lies above all in the linguistic and literary and the human and social areas of experience, the broad aims of foreign language teaching are twofold:
Linguistic and literary
- to develop linguistic competence in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing
- to provide successful, stimulating and enjoyable learning experiences which may encourage learners to continue their study of a foreign language or to embark on the study of a new one
- to give learners the confidence and competence to communicate at levels appropriate to their ability with native speakers of the language.
- to develop efficient listening and reading skills
- to foster sensitivity to language, its forms, sounds and rhythms; to promote pleasure in the use of words and an awareness of the expressive powers of language
- to encourage awareness of the language learning process and make the learning of languages easier at a later stage.
- to provide a sound basis of skills, language and attitudes required for the study of a language beyond the age of 16, for work and for leisure
- to reinforce skills such as analysis, classification, interpreting, the use of reference materials, summarising and drawing inferences needed across the curriculum
Human and social
- to increase social competence by promoting an awareness of, and sensitivity to, differences in social customs and behaviour
- to foster positive attitudes towards other countries and those who live in them and to counter prejudice
- to enable learners to meet foreigners in this country and to travel abroad with confidence, enjoyment, interest and advantage
- to awaken an interest in foreign cultures and life-styles and to foster a willingness to see one’s own culture in a broader context
- to develop a capacity for understanding and accepting the unfamiliar
- to encourage tolerance and a willingness to work together in pairs and groups
- to encourage enthusiasm, respect for others and the working environment
- to acknowledge the importance of every individual and to allow each learner to reach his full potential
- to provide challenges which will motivate both staff and pupils
- to encourage pupils to take pride in their work and to reward both effort and attainment
- to promote independence in language learning and use
How do we present these aims?
Goals should be presented in such a way that learners understand them, see them as relevant and wish to achieve them
Learners should be able to achieve these goals quickly
The process of achieving these goals should be pleasant and enjoyable
For more information on the Modern Foreign Languages Department, please click on the link below