Welcome to Modern Languages at Aldridge School.

This site has been designed to help both pupils and parents to make the most of language learning at Aldridge School. For pupils there are useful links alongside revision materials for independent learning. For parents we have included our schemes of work and homework tasks so that you can see what your son or daughter is doing in lessons and how you can support them at home.

You can navigate this site with the buttons at the top left of the screen.

If you have any suggestions on how we can improve this site, please contact Mr. Coleman here.

Department description

The department comprises of three full time and three part time specialist teachers. The accommodation includes five classrooms located on the first floor of A-block, each equipped with interactive whiteboards or projection facilities. The department teaches all pupils French or German in KS3 and those in the top teaching sets are taught French or German as a second language. At KS4 pupils have the opportunity to study French and German to GCSE level following the AQA examination board specification.  At KS5 pupils have the opportunity to study French and German to AS and A–level following the AQA examination board specification.

Department aims

The aims of the MFL Department are:

•To provide for all pupils a well structured curriculum which prepares for success in examinations and develops language skills;

•To develop the ability of pupils to communicate effectively in the appropriate language for practical purposes;

•To provide intellectual stimulation, enjoyment and satisfaction through interesting and engaging lessons;

•To lay foundations for further study, work and/or leisure;

•To promote cultural awareness and insights;

•To offer visits to France/Germany whenever possible;

•To promote interest in and awareness of the nature of the language and of the language learning process;

•To promote learning and study skills;

•To provide a stimulating and orderly environment in which learning can take place;

•To review regularly the provision of courses/materials/policies to ensure that the curriculum offered to pupils is relevant, stimulating and designed to meet their individual needs;

•To encourage interpersonal skills of cooperation and tolerance in working with others.

Rationale for studying a modern foreign language in school:

Personal and social development

•Allows pupils to escape from a restrictive, monolingual view of the world;

•Promotes social interaction;

•Fosters a range of attitudes which help to promote goodwill and to counter prejudice and insularity.

Educational

•Offers insights into a culture and civilisation other than the pupil’s own;

•Promotes a disciplined and active approach to learning; develops pupils communicative skills.

Vocational and economic

•Promotes the acquisition of linguistic skills which will enable a full contribution to and participation in an evolving society.