Languages
At AGS, we believe that being able to speak a foreign language is part of what it means to be truly educated.
MFL students at Allerton Grange will have a deep and broad knowledge of key grammatical structures, with a particular focus on the use and application of verb tenses. Knowledge of high frequency language and sound-spelling links is also a fundamental. We reject the ‘phrase book’ approach to language learning. Instead, we ensure that students know the role that each word plays in a sentence. In this way, we send AGS linguists out into the world, able to use and manipulate the language in a manner that befits a true and independent linguist.
Having mastered the language in depth in KS3, students then use and apply this knowledge in a broader range of contexts in KS4.
Students are empowered to access a wide range of cultural experiences related to the target language country. This will include literature, film, music and food. They will also have the opportunity to experience the culture first-hand through trips to the country. In effect, to learn a new language is to learn a new culture. Regardless of ability or social background, students are presented with opportunities to become truly global citizens.
At Allerton Grange, we offer three languages in Year 7. Students will be equally distributed between French, German and Spanish.
Students continue with the language they studied in Years 7-9 to GCSE level.
Course Overview
German
In Year 8, students have two hours of German a week and cover the topics listed below. They are assessed on the core vocabulary contained in the Knowledge Organiser through weekly tests and have assessments at the end of each unit of study. At Christmas they have an additional dictation test and in summer a translation test into English.
Topics covered are:-
- House
- Your town
- Holidays
- Shopping, food and festivals
- Literature
Spanish
In Year 8, students have two hours of Spanish a week and cover the topics listed below. They are assessed on the core vocabulary contained in the Knowledge Organiser through weekly tests and have assessments at the end of each unit of study. At Christmas they have an additional dictation test and in summer a translation test into English.
Topics covered are:-
- Holidays
- Technology
- Free time
- Festivals and Culture
- Literature
French
In Year 8, students have two hours of French a week. They follow the Michel Thomas Methodology (MT), which is separate from the other topics covered. They cover Modules 8-12 and the topics listed below. They are assessed on the core vocabulary contained in the MT and have assessments at the end of each unit of study. At Christmas they have an additional dictation test and in summer a translation test into English.
Topics covered are:
- Where I live
- Clothes
- Food and Drink
- Free time
- School
- Poetry
How parents can support
- Test your child when they have a Knowledge organiser test to revise for.
- Encourage your child to use www.textactivies.com They have their own login and password.
Useful Links:
