Modern Languages

OVERVIEW

At Kilkeel High School we are passionate about languages and our department is composed of four teachers, including one native French speaker. We currently offer French and Spanish at KS3 and KS4. From September 2021, most of our pupils will be introduced to both languages from Year 8 and will have the opportunity to further study French at DELF, GCSE and A level as well as Spanish at GCSE.

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”

KEY STAGE 3

All classes in Years 8, 9 and 10 study French while some classes also have the opportunity to study both French and Spanish.

All pupils will develop invaluable skills in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, hence becoming confident communicators. Topics include family, house, town, hobbies, school and food and classes will be introduced to French and Spanish (if applicable) cultures throughout the KS3 course.

At KS3, we aim to develop a range of skills and vocabulary to allow pupils to speak and write about themselves. We also encourage pupils to develop an awareness of how a language works and to reflect on their use of the English language or indeed any other language they speak at home.

Throughout this time, pupils are prepared for further study at GCSE and A level as our activities are carefully balanced between vocabulary learning, grammar, speaking, and translation practice.

The languages’ team is also excited to be one of the only schools in Northern Ireland to prepare pupils for the globally recognised DELF examination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Pupils will have the opportunity to have contact with pupils in the country of the language studied, from penpal links to trips/exchanges abroad.

The languages’ department has invested in ipads and we embed technology into our lessons by using interactive games such as Kahoot!, Quizizz, Blooket as well as vocabulary consolidating apps including Quizlet, Memrise and Linguascope.

FRENCH LANGUAGE ASSISTANT

Each year our students have the opportunity to work with a native language speaker to further develop their speaking skills and have a greater insight into French culture.