Language is a foundation subject in Key Stage 3 and an optional subject in Key Stage 4. The department consists of two full time teachers, two part time teachers and an administrative assistant.
The department is well resourced and occupies a suite of classrooms within the main building. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard.
The languages team strive to equip students with the ability to adapt structures and phrases learnt to many and varied real life situations.
Key Stage 3
In Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability form groups. In Years 8 and 9 the year group is split into three bands. Within each band there are two sets which are based on ability and achievement.
The Department uses a range of resources, including new technology and encourages the use of online homework. Students receive two hours teaching time each week. Formal assessment takes place at regular intervals. Presently in the summer term of Year 9, students take the AQA Foundation Certificate in Secondary Education (FCSE).
Key Stage 4
In Year 10 (2011-2012) both Spanish and French are taught in mixed ability option groups.
All Spanish students follow the Edexcel Full course GCSE. French students follow the AQA full course GCSE. Students receive five hours teaching over two weeks within Key Stage 4.
Other Activities
We support students’ learning by providing a separate award run by British Airways for our Key Stage 4 Pupils. We also run a Foreign language leaders award for our year 10 linguists offering them the opportunity to teach a foreign language to our feeder primary Year 5 pupils. We have a strong Business Language Champions Partnership with Bradford City FC and this offers many extra special opportunities for our boys. We offer introductory courses in Latin or Ancient Greek for our A level students.
