Modern Foreign Languages
Hope Valley College Open Evening Euro Cafe
Learn some useful phrases to use at the HVC Open Evening Euro Cafe
Languages at HVC
• All students begin either French or German in Year 7
• In Year 8 virtually all students start the e-learning progamme, which includes a module in the other foreign language as well
• In Y9 the e-learning programme continues with Spanish, Latin and first language modules
• In Years 10 & 11 students can now opt to study either 1 or 2 languages to GCSE
• A one year Foundation GCSE course in Spanish is offered as a twilight session for students, staff and parents
Essential equipment: a language dictionary and a set of headphones
Languages in the National Curriculum
Students are assessed in 4 skills (called ‘Attainment Targets’) : listening, speaking, reading and writing. There will be a test at the end of each Unit, and this may include all or some of the 4 skills.
Students typically achieve the following levels by the end of each year:
• Year 7 - between levels 1-4
• Year 8 - between levels 2-5
• Year 9 - between levels 3-6+
Levels are awarded on the basis of end of unit tests and evidence built up from classwork and homework throughout the year.
Languages Homework
Year 7 students can expect to do up to two 20 minute homeworks per week, one of which may be learning or dictionary work. In Y8 and Y9 this builds up to 30mins. This can include work on their A3 worksheets, not just their exercise book.
Marking and Recording in Languages
Any task done by the students is identified by its National Curriculum Level.
A number of stars is awarded depending on how well the task is completed, as detailed below:
for listening/reading for speaking/writing
nearly all information understood *** all points communicated well
most information understood ** most details communicated
some information understood * some info communicated
Topics covered and stars awarded for each task are recorded on yellow cards in the back of exercise books. When enough 3 star performances have been gained, the student is awarded that particular National Curriculum Level. A white data sheet in the middle of their book will also record their end of unit test scores, their end of year and KS3 target levels, as well as their previous level - if applicable.
Effort grades (e1 - e4) are awarded in line with College policy.
In line with National ‘assessment for learning’ policy, marking of work focuses on strengths and targets to reach the next level.
As there will be lots of homework not done in exercise books, these may not always be marked in the traditional way, and levels, feedback etc. may be left on posters, end of unit tests and in workbooks. Feedback will be provided at least once a term in the form of Assessment for Learning bullet points.
Students will also be expected to provide and receive peer feedback.
Extension activities Visit the following websites:
Departments