The Modern Foreign Languages department at the Campion school is committed to giving students the opportunity to discover new cultures through an enjoyable experience of learning a foreign language.
We believe that the study of a foreign language helps students develop a sense of cultural pluralism, an openness to and appreciation of other cultures. In a globalised world characterised by international links and intercultural connections, linguistic skills are crucial for employment and career as proficiency in a foreign language enhances career opportunities.
The Campion School Modern Foreign Languages department is an enthusiastic and dedicated team of linguists who encourage students to progress in all four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing while bringing languages alive though a range of interactive and varied lessons.
The MFL department is committed to raising the profile of language learning through competitions a as well as trips abroad. At both Key Stages, students follow the Studio course in French. At GCSE, students will sit all of their exams at the end of Year 11 with the Edexcel exam board.
At The Campion school, language lessons incorporate cultural and creative projects, grammar and translation activities, vocabulary learning games as well as activities, which develop the four skills to enable students to achieve their potential and become confident independent young linguists. Our students enjoy working in groups, pairs and individually, within the classroom. There is a positive learning environment in our classes, where students willingly step out of their comfort zone and actively take part in lessons.
To support and challenge our students, we provide them with vocabulary help sheets downloadable on Doodle. Access to Pearson Active Learn website develops and extends their classwork and homework. They also have access to fantastic interactive language learning resources like Quizlet, Memrise, Duolingo, www.french-games.net, www.languagesonline.org.uk, which provide a fun way to learn a language independently.
At Key Stage 3, students are assessed in four areas: listening, reading, speaking and writing. All skills are assessed formally once per term, although these skills are practised throughout the course. Students are also given regular vocabulary tests set by the teacher, and they are encouraged to find a way of learning that works best for them. We even encourage them to learn from the 'experts'. Furthermore, students are expected to understand the grammars of language. More information that may help students understand the grammatical terms we use in language lessons can be found here.
Throughout their study of modern languages, students have the chance to take part in multiple extra-curricular activities. First, students can partake in the Mable Competition, hosted by Havering schools, and the 'Have Your Say' competition. Students compete against other schools developing their language skills and resilience. Second, students partake in a day trip to Boulogne in Year 7, and have the opportunity to partake in a residential trip to Margins in Year 8. These trips are proving to be exciting opportunities for students to develop not just their language skills, but also their personal development. They come back matured and with a renewed enthusiasm for Languages.
Students in Year 7 undertake introductory work and 5 Units.
Students in Year 8 again undertake work in 5 key Units.
In Year 9, students undertake work in 4 Units, then begin work on the start of their GCSE in French.
Start of GCSE Edexcel course :
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Exam Board |
Subject Leader |
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Mrs H Delarue-Ward |
We follow the Edexcel exam board. All skills are assessed at the end of the course: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Each skill is worth 25% of the GCSE. For the GCSE, students will need to have a working knowledge of approximately 2000 words.
There are five Themes covered through the GCSE course:
All pupils at Key Stage 4 can purchase a CGP revision guide to support them. Pupils have access to all vocabulary sheets on Doodle and to Pearson Active Learn online to reinforce their learning. Booster sessions run throughout the year at lunchtime or after school to support pupils through the GCSE course. Keynote conference run in school to prepare pupils for their examination.