Languages
Staffing: Mrs McCann (Head of Department), Mrs Carter, Mrs Banks, Mrs Aston and Mr Grady (Headteacher)
The Languages Department at Bury Church is a vibrant and lively place. There are always games and songs amongst the many language learning activities. Our vision for the school year is to continue to improve our results and to get all our pupils speaking in French and German as much as possible.
We have a ‘work of the month’ award and a ‘class star’ award.
In the languages department we aim to offer pupils a series of valuable experiences which cover the different aspects of learning:
We aim to:
- Develop the ability to understand and use foreign languages effectively for the purposes of practical communication.
- Develop the ability to use and to understand language both imaginatively.
- Develop an understanding of the grammar of French and German.
- Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries and communities that speak French and German.
- Encourage positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages and a positive approach to other cultures and civilisations.
- Develop students’ understanding of themselves and their own culture.
- Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.
- Form a sound base of skills, language and attitude required for further study, work and leisure.
- Promote skills, which have a wider application such as information technology, and learning skills (eg analysis, memorising, drawing inference).
Key Stage 3
All pupils entering the school start the study of French in Year 7. Most will go on to study German in Year 8. They have 2 lessons per week for each subject (4 language lessons in total).
In Year 7 French (Year 8 German) we study:
- Pronunciation
- Why we study languages
- Basic introductions and greetings
- Personal information using the verb ‘to be’
- Families
- Activities and verbs
- School
- Home life
- Towns and directions
- Holiday plans and the future tense
In Year 8 French we study:
- Pronunciation
- Infinitives
- The past (perfect) tense
- Jobs
- Fashion and shopping
In Year 9 German we study:
- A spy story
- The Deutsch Faktor (songs in the past tense)
- The culture of German-speaking countries
Key Stage 4 (Current Year 11) French
As an extension to our GCSE course, we run an enrichment course in year 11 for those who enjoy French and are thinking of continuing to A level. We mix language practice with films and cultural awareness.
Key Stage 4 French and German
Key Stage 4 French covers years 9 and 10.
Key Stage 4 German covers years 10 and 11.
The topics covered in the WJEC GCSE French and German are:
- Personal and Social Life
- The Local Community
- The World of Work
- The Wider World
The examination is split into the four skills:
- 30% speaking over the 2 year course
- 30% written communication (controlled assessment)
- 20% reading (formal exam)
- 20% listening (formal exam)
The new GCSE is designed to:
Equip students with skills for working in the European and global economy
- Language skills
- Communication skills
- Perseverance and commitment
- Knowledge and understanding of other cultures
Entry level French and German
This course is aimed at the lower-grade candidates, seeking to build confidence and enable success at a basic level. The main GCSE topics are still covered in this course, and all four skills are tested.
Extra Curricular Activities
We have a weekly Languages Club for Key Stage 3. Here we learn new languages such as Spanish, Swahili and Chinese. We have food tastings, watch films, do drama, art and songs.
There is a trip for year 9 to the Chateau de Chantereine, Normandy, where we explore the region, try some unusual sports and improve our French. We also learn how to make cheese!
We run Gifted and Talented trips to Holy Cross in Year 8, and a languages discovery trip to Bolton University for those who have made the most effort in Year 9.
In Year 10, we hold conversation practice for those approaching their GCSE. We are often supported by students from Holy Cross Sixth Form College.
Future Developments
We are planning a joint trip to Berlin with the History Department.
We are improving our provision for the Gifted and Talented pupils by providing them with special challenges.
We are expanding the work of the languages club.
