Modern Foreign Languages
From the beginning of Year 7 pupils will be able to study a whole host of modern foreign languages. These will initially be, French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. If the pupil joins us in Year 7, or at a later stage with sufficient grounding in a language, then they will go on to take an IGCSE in the subject.
With Arabic being compulsory up to the end of Year 9, pupils will study at least two foreign languages until the end of Year 9 and they will have to carry on a foreign language right up to the end of the IB Diploma. This is central to the international perspective of our school and curriculum.
AIMS OF IGCSE SYLLABUS
The aims of the syllabus are the same for all pupils. The aims are set out below and describe the educational purposes of following a course in a foreign language for the IGCSE examination. They are not listed in order of priority.
The aims are to:
• 1. Develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication within the country of residence, where appropriate, and in all the countries where the language is spoken;
• 2. Form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure;
• 3. Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken – this may include literature where appropriate;
• 4. Encourage fuller integration into the local community, where relevant;
• 5. Develop a fuller awareness of the nature of language and language learning;
• 6. Encourage positive attitudes toward foreign language learning and towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations;
• 7. Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation;
• 8. Complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application (e.g. analysis, memorising, drawing of inferences).
Examinations at the end of Year 11 will test pupils’ abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening as part of a CIE or Edexcel IGCSE examination.
