BBC Education
BBC Education
Modern Foreign Languages
Curriculum Intent
Curriculum Intent
Our aim is for all students to be able to read, write, speak and listen confidently and proficiently in a second [or third] language. We want them to gain a greater understanding of not only their own language and culture, but also of other languages and cultures through exploring the social conventions, traditions and customs of the target language country.
We want to encourage our students to be inquisitive as they engage with new concepts and viewpoints and for them to develop resilience and flexibility as they begin to express and develop their own beliefs
Studying a foreign language gives students a more global outlook and an insight into how other cultures view the world. Being able to understand another language is also proven to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Through learning French or Spanish, students develop their memory, ability to spot and apply patterns, problem solving, confidence and resilience.
At the Burgate the x-side of the year studies French from year 7 and the y-side studies Spanish. Students have the opportunity to study the other language in addition to, or instead of, their first in year 9. Students often find a second foreign language easier to master as they are able to apply rules and spot similarities between the two languages.
During Enrichment week year 8 and 9 students are offered the chance to visit France or Spain on alternate years. Students have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing a new culture, making new friends and gaining independence through these trips.
At GCSE we aim to offer a trip to France or Spain for students to have the chance to practise their language skills. This year we hope to go to Paris.
A-level students also have the chance to go to Paris and Barcelona to enhance their cultural understanding and develop their language skills.
French
At the Burgate the x-side of the year studies French from year 7 and the y-side studies Spanish. Students have the opportunity to study the other language in addition to, or instead of, their first in year 9.
Curriculum Guides
An overview of the curriculum guide for years 7-11 can be downloaded here.
French at A level
Why study A level French?
Course Content
There are 4 core topic areas at A-level.
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Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
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Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
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Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
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Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
In addition, you will study a film and a literary text. Within Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends you will look at:
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La famille en voie de changement
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La « cyber-société
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Le rôle du bénévolat
Within Artistic culture in the French-speaking world you will study:
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Une culture fière de son patrimoine
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La musique francophone contemporaine
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Cinéma : le septième art
Within Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues you will look at:
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Les aspects positifs d’une société diverse
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Quelle vie pour les marginalisés?
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Comment on traite les criminels
And within Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world life you will study:
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Les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement politique
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Manifestations, grèves – à qui le pouvoir ?
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La politique et l’immigration
There are 3 exams:
Paper 1: listening, reading & translation into both English & French (2 hr 30 mins, 100 marks) 50% Students will have individual control of the listening recording. Questions in French to be answered with nonverbal responses or in French for both reading (50 marks) & listening (30 marks).
Paper 2: writing – literature and film essays (2 hrs, 80 marks) 20% Two essays to be written from choice of 2 possible titles on Kiffe kiffe demain and 400 coups of approximately 300 words. These require a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the work and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, as appropriate to the works studied.
Paper 3: speaking (16-18 minutes + 5 minutes preparation time, 60 marks) 30% Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5 – 6 minutes, 25 marks), followed by a presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9 – 10 minutes) of an individual research project (35 marks).
The Individual Research Project (IRP) offers you the opportunity to look in greater depth at an aspect of French speaking society that really interests you, this could be anything from the French Revolution to a French comedian, the Corsican mafia to young people’s use of slang.
Spanish
At the Burgate the y-side of the year studies Spanish from year 7 and the x-side studies French. Students have the opportunity to study the other language in addition to, or instead of, their first in year 9.
Curriculum Guide
An overview of the curriculum guide for years 7-11 can be downloaded here.
Spanish at A level
Course Content
There are four core topics at A-level:
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Aspects of Hispanic Society
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Artistic culture in the Hispanic World
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Multiculturalism in Hispanic Society
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Aspects of Political Life in Hispanic Society
In addition you will study a literary text and a film: Réquiem por un campesino español and Volver
Within Aspects of Hispanic Society you will look at:
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Los valores tradicionales y modernos
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El ciberespacio
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La igualdad de los sexos
Within Artistic culture in the Hispanic world you will study:
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La influencia de los ídolos
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La identidad regional en España
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El patrimonio cultural
Within Multiculturalism in Hispanic society you will look at:
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La inmigración
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El racismo
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La integración
And within Aspects of political life in Hispanic society you will study:
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Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos de mañana
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Monarquías y dictaduras
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Movimientos populares
There are 3 exams:
Paper 1: listening, reading & translation into both English & Spanish (2 hr 30 mins, 100 marks) 50% Students will have individual control of the listening recording. Questions in Spanish to be answered with nonverbal responses or in Spanish for both reading (50 marks) & listening (30 marks).
Paper 2: writing - literature and film essays (2 hrs, 80 marks) 20% Two essays to be written from choice of 2 possible titles on Volver & Réquiem por un campesino español of approximately 300 words. These require a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the work and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, as appropriate to the works studied.
Paper 3: speaking (16-18 minutes + 5 minutes preparation time, 60 marks) 30% Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5 – 6 minutes, 25 marks), followed by a presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9 – 10 minutes) of an individual research project (35 marks)
The Individual Research Project (IRP) offers you the opportunity to look in greater depth at an aspect of Hispanic Society that really interests you, this could be anything from a Spanish speaking country, a Hispanic artist, a Spanish film or an aspect of Hispanic history.
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