OUR VALUES AND AIMS

We passionately believe that people who speak more than one language have an asset for life. The ability to speak languages is a lifelong skill which enhances working life, cultural awareness and leisure activities for people of all ages. Therefore, everything we do has at its core the aim to bring about a positive change in the way languages are perceived, to help students to achieve their full potential and to ensure great success in language learning, which in turn will improve students’ life chances. We endeavour to make the process of language learning inclusive, enjoyable and stimulating, offering tangible benefits in the world of work, when holidaying or living abroad. In addition, we place great emphasis on rewarding our students for their effort and commitment to language learning as well as rewarding their achievements. Rewards given to students range from merits, postcards and certificates to trips and monthly prizes for students who are chosen as Linguist of the Month.

YOUR FUTURE WITH MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Here are just a few good reasons why learning a foreign language is important.

Learning a language...

1. ...improves your grasp of English

2. ...widens your career options

3. ...enhances your confidence

4. ...makes travelling easier and more enjoyable

5. ...shows you are open minded and tolerant

6. ...boosts brain power

KEY STAGE 3

Students at Falinge Park High School study a two year course at Key Stage 3 in languages. They are able to choose which language they want to study. The languages we currently offer are French, Spanish and Urdu. The curriculum is lively and engaging with students experiencing language learning through a variety of activities including songs, games, drama, video, films and the use of state-of-the-art technology.

KEY STAGE 4

At Key Stage 4, students follow the Full Course GCSE which comprises of 30% speaking exam, 30% writing exam, 20% listening exam and 20% reading exam. Students study a range of topic areas from  Media and Culture, Sport and Leisure to Travel and Tourism and Business, Work and Employment. Students develop many valuable skills during the course – improved communication skills (both orally and written), ability to work co-operatively as part of a team but also able to be an independent learner, confidence, creativity and a tolerance of other cultures and traditions.

HOMEWORK

Homework to consolidate the students’ learning in class is set on a regular basis across both Key Stages. Language homework will not always be a traditional reading comprehension or writing task. Students may be given homework to learn key vocabulary and structures; to research a cultural aspect of the language they are studying or to use language websites to practise grammar or listening activities. All homework is marked on a timely basis and students receive both oral and written feedback on their work with identified target areas for further improvement. Teachers will use the MFL Behaviour Policy if a student fails to complete their homework on time.

EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION

We believe that in order to achieve their full potential and achieve success in languages, students have to experience the true value of learning a language. It is for this reason that we provide our students with a variety of out-of-class activities including annual visits to France and Spain, trips to the European Christmas Markets, theatre performances and a partnership with a school in Valance in the South of France.