Modern Foreign Languages

Modern Foreign languages open up a world of opportunity – the chance to use your language skills on holiday or in the workplace.  Improve your understanding of how your own language works by studying sentence structure and grammar. Develop transferable skills such as how to use reference materials efficiently, (dictionaries, texts and glossaries). Improve your chances of being accepted at the college or university of your choice, Modern Foreign Languages forms part of the Ebac qualification so universities will require a GCSE grade C or above in a modern foreign language as an entry requirement (not just for language courses). Or just enjoy the fact that you can understand and communicate in a different language!

For more reasons click on this link: www.llas.ac.uk/700reasons

In KS3 we develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as studying the cultural background of France or Germany. We learn how to use a dictionary for research purposes. Topic areas studied are personal information, home and area, daily routine, leisure activities, food and drink, school, travel, why languages are important, illnesses and healthy lifestyle.

We use the Heinemann Studio course books and software.  Our students at Woodham have regular access to ICT suites to work independently on improving their reading and listening skills. Lessons are lively and active with IWB games as well as more formal work.

• You can help your son / daughter by testing them on their vocabulary  or helping them to check they have completed their worksheet
• Vocabulary can also be revised  on this website: www.linguascope.com

In KS4 (Current Year 10) we study GCSE French following the Edexcel specification.
Topic areas for speaking and writing are:

Media and Culture

• Music / Film / Reading
• Fashion / Celebrities / Religion
• Blogs / Internet

Sport and Leisure

• Hobbies / Interests
• Sporting Events
• Lifestyle Choices

Travel and Tourism

• Holidays
• Accommodation
• Eating / Food / Drink

Business, Work and Employment

• Work Experience / Part-time Jobs
• Product or Service Information

Topic areas for listening and reading are...

Out and About

• Visitor Information
• Basic Weather
• Local Amenities
• Accommodation
• Public Transport
• Directions

Customer Service and Transactions

• Cafes and restaurants
• Shops
• Dealing wiyh Problems

Personal Information

• General Interests
• Leisure activities
• Family and friends
• Lifestyle (Healthy eating and exercise)

Future plans, education and work

• Basic language of the internet
• Simple job advertisments
• Simple Job Applications and CV
• School and College
• Work and Work Experience

Students are examined in the 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

In KS4 (Current Year 11) we study GCSE French or German following the WJEC specification.
Topic areas for speaking and writing are:

Personal and Social Life

Self, family, friends, home life, shopping, meals, healthy living, illness and accident, free time, fashion, relationships, future plans.

Home town, school, education, local environment, pollution, recycling, local facilities, comparisons with other towns and regions, weather and seasons.

The world of work

Work experience, part-time jobs, future careers, technology (sending messages, accessing information)

The wider world

Travel and holidays, media, social issues (e.g. life of young people today, homlessness, crime, drugs, healthy living, religion politics), life in other countries and communities where the language is spoken.

• Practice for GCSE listening and reading from:   http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/examskills/

• or from the GCSE section of www.wildfrench.co.uk

• revise vocabulary each week to match your topics in class:  www.linguascope.com

for more information about your course, take a look at the exam board’s website: www.wjec.co.uk and select GCSE French / German.

International links
Woodham Academy is linked with our partner school in France -  Collège Victor Hugo, Ham. We also correspond with students in Germany.

Trips

The department runs annual trips to Berlin and the Normandy area of France. Students enjoy packed itineries of fun activities, while improving their language skills.