Modern Foreign Languages at Alderman White
At Alderman White School, we believe that learning a modern foreign language is a vital life skill that opens doors to new cultures, new perspectives and new opportunities. Through the study of French, German and Mandarin, our pupils develop the knowledge, confidence and curiosity to see themselves as global citizens who can communicate beyond their own community and thrive in modern Britain and the wider world.
We follow a carefully planned, sequenced curriculum that builds over time. Our spiral approach means pupils revisit key language regularly, each time developing greater confidence and understanding. New learning is linked to what pupils already know, helping them remember more and use language more independently. This approach ensures that all pupils build a secure foundation in languages, while also preparing those who choose to continue their studies at GCSE. Our curriculum is ambitious and inclusive. Carefully designed resources help pupils build their knowledge step by step while also providing appropriate challenge. This ensures that all pupils are supported to succeed and stretched to achieve their best. Some pupils will concentrate solely on French and Mandarin in KS3 if we feel this offers them the most effective pathway to succeed and flourish as linguists We also offer pupils the opportunity to take a GCSE language in their heritage (home) language if available.
Our lessons are built around the key elements of language learning: phonics, vocabulary and grammar. From their very first lessons, pupils learn how sounds link to spelling, how words and sentences are formed, and how grammar helps them communicate clearly and accurately. This strong foundation supports speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Pupils are supported to take risks, practise regularly and learn from mistakes in a positive environment. Retrieval practice is built into lessons to help pupils remember vocabulary and structures long term. We also teach pupils how to learn effectively, giving them practical strategies to recall language, understand unfamiliar words and revise independently. The skills they develop prepare them for further study, future employment and life in a multicultural society. Technology is used to support learning both in and out of the classroom. Pupils use a range of carefully chosen digital tools and apps to practise vocabulary and support revision in an engaging and effective way.
Cultural understanding is embedded throughout the curriculum. Pupils explore the traditions, values and daily life of countries where the language is spoken, developing curiosity and awareness of the wider world. They also consider similarities and differences between languages and cultures, helping them to appreciate different perspectives and ways of life. This is also enriched through opportunities such as our trips to Paris, the Christmas markets in Cologne, the trip to Chinatown in London as well as our long-standing German exchange. Pupils also have the opportunity to study other languages at our Language College in the evening and weekend classes.
By the end of KS3, pupils will be able to:
- · Pronounce words clearly and read aloud with confidence
- · Use a range of vocabulary and key grammar to communicate ideas
- · Talk and write about themselves and familiar topics
- · Give and explain opinions with growing confidence
- · Understand the main points in spoken and written texts
- · Work out the meaning of new words using strategies they have learned
- · Use effective revision and memory techniques to support their learning
- · Show curiosity about other cultures and ways of life
- · Feel confident and prepared to continue studying a language at GCSE
By the end of KS4, pupils will be able to:
- · Communicate clearly and confidently in speech and writing
- · Take part in conversations and express ideas in detail
- · Write longer responses for different purposes and audiences
- · Understand spoken and written language in a range of contexts
- · Work out meaning from more complex and unfamiliar material
- · Use vocabulary and grammar accurately and independently
- · Show a deeper understanding of the cultures of the countries studied
- · Apply their language and learning skills to further study and future careers
Pupils at Alderman White study GCSE French, German and Mandarin with Pearson Edexcel, completing assessments in listening, speaking, reading and writing. To find out more, please click on the links to the curriculum maps. Should you have any questions, please contact: chevan.sanders@whptrust.org