The Languages Department
We believe it is important to foster a spirit of internationalism in the hearts and minds of our community and nurture the ability to function effectively when surrounded by individuals whose culture is different to our own.
The learning of a foreign language helps us to achieve this and to enjoy interacting in a new cultural context. It increases our own personal opportunities for work, entertainment and travel as well as expanding our awareness of the world as we know it, a world that is shrinking due to high-speed international air travel, the Internet and our own understanding that cultural diversity is what makes us human.
At Davenant Foundation School, the MFL team consists of six language specialists from across Europe. We also have French and Spanish language assistants who deliver conversation classes to our A Level students. We recognise the varying levels of ability students have in languages and for new students we ensure they quickly gain an understanding of their language experience and achievements from their previous school.
The faculty has the resources to provide language classes from beginner to advanced, to enable each student to progress and fulfil their potential. At Key Stage 3 (Year 7 to Year 9), all students have the opportunity to study both French and Spanish in year 7 and then continue with one into year 8 and beyond. At Davenant we strongly encourage all students to study a language to GCSE level in order to give themselves an opportunity to continue developing the skills required to speak a foreign language.
“Studying languages is extremely fulfilling as it allows you to be able to understand not only a foreign language, but the culture too. I personally think that Languages are one of the most underrated subjects in terms of difficulty, but if you stick at it, with the help of the Language Department Teachers and their wealth of knowledge, you'll be sure to succeed and have a feeling of accomplishment when you're able to converse with ease.” Year 12 student
KEY STAGE 3
During Years 7-9 the following topics are taught:
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
|
---|---|---|---|
Introduction Family Food School |
|
Fashion and going out Health Work World issues |
KEY STAGE 4
Students currently in year 11 studying a language at GCSE follow the AQA specification. During the course, the following topics are covered:
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
---|---|
Identity and culture: Me, my family and friends (relationships with family and friends, marriage/partnerships) Technology in everyday life (social media, mobile technology) Free time activities (music, cinema, TV, sport, food and eating out)
Local, national, international and global areas of interest: Home, town, neighbourhood and region Travel and tourism
Current and future study and employment My studies Life at school/college |
Identity and culture: Customs and festivals in target language-speaking countries/communities
Local, national, international and global areas of interest: Social issues (charity/voluntary work, healthy/unhealthy living) Global issues (the environment, poverty/homelessness)
Current and future study and employment Education post-16 Career choices and ambitions |
For more detailed information about the course content and assessment requirements, please refer to the examination board website:
French: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658
Spanish: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/spanish-8698
Students starting the gcse course in year 10 (2024-2025) will be sitting a new gcse which we have been preparing for throughout KS3. More information on this new gcse can be found using the following links:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8652/specification-at-a-glance
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/spanish-8692/specification-at-a-glance
A LEVEL
Students studying the subject at A Level follow the AQA specification. During the course the following topics are covered.
Year 12 French |
Year 12 Spanish |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Year 13 French |
Year 13 Spanish |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
For more detailed information about the course content and assessment requirements, please refer to the examination board website:
French: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/french-7652
Spanish: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/spanish-7692
USEFUL WEBSITES
For more detailed information about the course content and assessment requirements, please refer to the examination board website:
French: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/french-7652
Spanish: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/spanish-7692