MODERN LANGUAGES
Aims The Modern Languages courses focus on developing students’ ability to understand and communicate effectively in the target language as well as offering insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken.
Skills Students develop four key skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. We lay considerable emphasis on promoting our students’ ability to speak and write accurately in the target language as well as to understand both native speakers and authentic texts. A sound command of grammar is an indispensable element in the four skills and an essential requirement for the study of languages beyond Year 11.
Students will develop the ability to identify main points as well as details in a variety of types of spoken messages or texts. In speaking students will progress from transactional conversations to initiating and then developing conversations and discussions. In both speaking and writing students will build their capability to narrate events factually and imaginatively as well as express and justify their points of view.
Content The programme of studies explores areas of experience such as everyday activities, the world around us, personal and social life and the world of work. The course offers another dimension: the international world, which allows students to explore cultural aspects of the target language society and to keep up to date with current affairs in the countries where the language is spoken. It is designed to help students build the expected cultural knowledge for the study of IB language courses.
We do not expect students who are already fluent in a language to choose it as part of the curriculum although they might sit the exam in Year 11.
Enrichment Spending time in the target-language country is of paramount importance. It gives a huge boost to students’ confidence, particularly in their speaking and listening skills. Staying with a family as part of an exchange or a study trip is the most effective means of enhancing linguistic skills and of experiencing the culture.
Those who study French and Spanish will have the opportunity to participate in a French exchange in Year 10. In Year 10 we offer study trips and exchanges for those students who study German, Spanish and Mandarin.
In addition to trips and exchanges there are various clubs for students to join, which all help to develop a wide range of skills.
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS 45