Modern Foreign Languages

Head of Department: Snr F Sanchez del Rio
Contact Details: fsr@felsted.org

Exam Board: Edexcel   www.edexcel.com
Syllabus Code: 
1fr0 (French)
1gn0 (German)
1sp0 (Spanish)
 

Why should I study languages?
The ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language is a significant advantage both for those wishing to travel for personal enjoyment and for those entering the world of work. In an increasingly global market, the proven ability to learn at least one language is a very attractive attribute to potential employers.

At Felsted all pupils must study one Modern Foreign Language, however, for keener linguists, a second foreign language can make all the difference to future prospects. While Goethe may have been exaggerating when he said, “he who knows no foreign language, knows nothing of his own,” it cannot be denied that by studying Spanish German or French you will undoubtedly gain a better understanding of English.

Spanish and French are both “Romance” languages, meaning that they are based on Latin, the language of the ancient Roman Empire. Many English words are also of Latin origin, and so when you learn vocabulary in Spanish and French you will simultaneously be expanding your English vocabulary.

You will also find that your understanding of the deeper meaning of these Latin-based English words is greatly enhanced. Also, as you study the grammar of Spanish and French, you will notice how it is similar to English. This will raise your awareness of the grammar of your native language.

In Spanish in particular, because it is very nearly phonetically perfect, you can look at almost any word and immediately know exactly how to pronounce it. This characteristic makes Spanish one of the easier languages to learn.

The connections between German and English are no less important. German shares many roots with English words and shows structural similarities with French, making it easier to learn for speakers of these two languages.  If this is not enough, here are some facts about the importance of learning French, German and Spanish:

German is the most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU and the second most commonly spoken foreign language in the EU (after English).
More than 200 million people speak French on the five continents. French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English, and the ninth most widely spoken language in the world.
Spanish is spoken by at least an estimated 430 million people around the world and is currently the fourth most commonly spoken language worldwide. Learning Spanish opens the door for you to communicate with one-third of a billion speakers worldwide!

The best way to learn any language is to immerse yourself in the culture. There are many trips and exchanges available through our Round Square programme.

 

Expectations of independent study
Independent study work will be set regularly, for example a piece of written work every Friday; vocabulary learning every Monday. Tasks might include reading and comprehensions, written work, preparation of oral work, revision of vocabulary and grammar, listening work and research work.

It is expected that pupils will want to develop their language skills outside the classroom by seeking extra help from the language assistants, reading around the subject (for example, using the French, German and Spanish newspapers available in the school library), listening to foreign language broadcasts/podcasts on the internet and watching European films (available in the school library and in the MFL department resource room). Finally, pupils can also practise regularly on recommended grammar websites.

What do the pupils say?
This is what some of the candidates said about the importance of doing two languages at GCSE:
“I enjoyed doing both languages because I love learning about the different cultures (they are sometimes connected) and it helped me learn the vocabulary. The layout was the same for both the exams which made it much simpler for me.”
“Studying two languages allowed me to compare vocabulary and use my initiative for unknown words. It also allowed me to organise controlled assessments more effectively.”
“I love the Languages Department!”

What skills will I develop by studying this subject?
The first aim of the GCSE Modern Language course is to develop the ability to use the language effectively for the purpose of practical communication, through both the written and spoken word, using a range of vocabulary and structures.   

It should also give a base for continued study of the language and offer an insight into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken.
     
Beyond the actual language studied, pupils should become more aware of how to learn languages, derive intellectual stimulation and enjoyment from language learning, develop positive attitudes to language learning and a sympathetic approach to other cultures. Pupils also learn skills of more general relevance, such as memorising, drawing conclusions, presenting and  selecting relevant material.

The content of the listening, reading, speaking and writing examinations suit the interests and experience of 16 year olds, and relate to situations they could expect to encounter in real life.

 

 

Assessment:  

Paper 1  25%  Speaking
Paper 2  25%  Listening and Understanding  
Paper 3  25%  Reading and Understanding  
Paper 4  25%  Writing  

I enjoyed studying two languages at GCSE and found it extremely beneficial in other subjects.
Harvey, Year 11 pupil