At Finham Park 2, we believe that the study of a foreign language opens the door to a range of opportunities in the future. It provides students with the opportunity to learn a valuable skill as well as to gain an understanding of the wider world.
Most students study a language through to GCSE and can choose between French, Spanish or Mandarin. We currently also offer Spanish at A level.
The department has designed a bespoke course based on the method of Extensive Processing Instruction (EPI) promoted by Dr Gianfranco Conti. This enables students to make fast progress in their chosen language and to become successful language learners.
In Year 7 pupils are assessed on their listening and speaking skills alongside a focus on grammar and translation skills. In Year 8 the skill of reading is added and finally in Years 9, 10 and 11 all 4 skills are assessed in line with the GCSE criteria. Substantial use is made of the target language in the classroom, and there is a strong emphasis on making assured progress and on confidence building. Lessons are lively, carefully structured and interactive.
Mandarin
Finham Park 2 works closely with Finham Park School, which is the home of the only secondary school Confucius Classroom in the West Midlands to deliver the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP), an intensive language learning programme funded by the British government. From their arrival in Y7, MEP students receive four hours per week of Mandarin tuition and complete up to four hours per week of independent study in the form of online activities, language and project work. With this generous amount of curriculum time, students make rapid progress and quickly build up confidence in understanding the language and culture of China. They also receive plenty of opportunities to enjoy cultural activities, for example a visit this year from a Chinese language rock band and shadow-puppet workshops, as well as opportunities to represent the school at special events.
Key Stage 3
- In Year 7, most of our pupils study French or Spanish with a small group studying Mandarin through the MEP.
- In Years 7 & 8, French and Spanish are taught through a bespoke skills-focused course linked to Studio in French and Mira/Viva in Spanish.
- Topics in Year 7 include: Introducing myself, Family and Friends, Where I live, A Day in my Life and Free time.
- Topics in Year 8 include: My Area, Food and Lifestyle, Media, Life as a Teenager and A region of Spain/France.
- Topics is Year 9 including: Relationships, My town and region, My school, Free time and Asking someone to go out.
Key Stage 4
- At GCSE, the Department prepares candidates for the AQA, specification over the course of 2 years. Again it is a bespoke course supported by Studio in French and ¡Viva! in Spanish. This is a linear course and students are examined in year 11 on the 4 skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Themes covered are:
- Theme 1: Identity and Culture
- Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global areas of interest
- Theme 3: Current and Future study and Employment
Spanish Curriculum
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 7 | All about me | My family and friends | Where I live and the Mundo hispano | My daily life | My spare time | My spare time |
Year 8 | My local area | Food and diet | Media | My identity | Holidays in Spain/France | Focus on a Spanish/French region |
Year 9 | Relationships | My home and local area | My school | My free time and hobbies | My free time and hobbies | Going out |
Year 10 | School life | Festivals and traditions | Going on holiday | Holiday experiences and travel | Healthy lifestyles | Technology |
Year 11 | Global and social issues | The world of work and future plans | Revision | Revision | Speaking exams | - |
Year 12 | Traditional and modern values / Cyberspace | Regional identity in Spain / Influence of idols | Film: Volver (2006) dir: Pedro Almodóvar | Equal rights | Immigration | Cultural Heritage |
Year 13 | Racism / Play: La Casa de Bernarda Alba | Youth of today, citizens of tomorrow / Play: La Casa de Bernarda Alba | Monarchies and Dictatorships / Coexistence and integration | Social movements in the Spanish speaking world | Revision | - |
French Curriculum
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 7 | All about me | My family and friends | Where I live and the Francophonie | My daily life | My spare time | My spare time |
Year 8 | My local area | Food and diet | Media | My identity | Holidays in Spain/France | Focus on a Spanish/French region |
Year 9 | Relationships | My home and local area | My school | My free time and hobbies | My free time and hobbies | Going out |
Year 10 | School life | Festivals and traditions | Going on holiday | Holiday experiences and travel | Healthy lifestyles | Technology |
Year 11 | Global and social issues | The world of work and future plans | Revision | Revision | Speaking exams | - |
Mandarin Curriculum
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 7 | Phonics, Numbers, Greetings | My Family, Hobbies | Sports | School Subjects, Telling Time | Food and Drink | Weather |
Year 8 | Countries, Transport | Holidays Past and Future Tenses | Appearance, My Bedroom | Colours, Clothing | Daily Routine | My Town, Weekend Plans |
Year 9 | My house, Jobs | Fruit and Veg, Shopping | Tourist Attractions | Travel, Festivals | Hobbies and Interests | When I was Young |
Year 10 | My School, Comparisons, Extra-curricular | Sports, Hobbies and Interests, Opinions | Health, AQA Free Time Activities | AQA My Town, Directions | AQA My Family and Relatives, Appearance, Shopping | AQA School Life |
Year 11 | AQA School Life, Post-16 Studies | AQA Travel and Tourism | AQA Careers | AQA Health and Global Issues | AQA Technology, AQA Festivals | - |