Laurelhill College

The Modern Languages Department aims to give pupils the advantage of being able to communicate in another language

We believe that every child, irrespective of ability, has the right to be a fully functioning member of the European Union. We seek to achieve this by maximising pupils’ opportunities to speak the language and positively encourage this. Pupils also learn in an environment enriched by frequently hearing the language.

We have established links with Collège Pierre Revery in France and Valle del Andarax in Spain. Pupils have communicated via email, facebook and pupils from Spain visited us in 2011.

Key Stage 3

In years 8, 9 and 10 pupils have up to two hours of French or Spanish. In Year 8 the emphasis is on talking about themselves, Year 9 talking about others and in Year 10 the emphasis is upon their place in the school community. Pupils have the opportunity to reflect on the benefits of learning a language for themselves and for their future career through the annual European Day of Languages competition.  Pupils in Year 8 get to sample croissants and hot chocolate in an event run by the canteen called “le big break”.  Pupils in Year 10 have an opportunity to practise ordering food in French with the annual visit from the French crêpe maker.

Modern Languages at Key Stage 4

Pupils now have the choice of continuing to study French or Spanish at GCSE level. Pupils are given the opportunity to reflect on the benefits learning a language will have on their future when they visit the annual Opportunity Europe Exhibition in Belfast.

At GCSE pupils are assessed in four skills. External listening and reading exams are each worth 20% of the final grade. Pupils also complete 2 controlled speaking assessments worth 30% of the final grade and 2 controlled writing assessments worth 30% of the final grade.