Kilkeel High School

Given the current provision for the teaching of French whereby more teaching time is allocated to the more able pupils, it is neither possible nor desirable that all pupils should study the same topics in equal depth. However the three/four top stream classes will study the same topics at the same time. The other classes are prepared for GOML examinations, which are recognised by DENI as a valid form of assessment. These certificates are of such value in motivating pupils that we consider them a vital part of our schemes of work. Pupils in Key Stage Three may prepare for GOML Levels One Two and Three and need to study a few extra topics in order to complete the Programme of Study prescribed by DENI. These topics are clearly set out in the Schemes of work.

The top three/four classes in 11Ac will be prepared for AQA GCSE French, at whatever level the class teacher deems appropriate, bearing in mind the GCSE principle of assessing what the pupils “know, understand and can do”. The top two classes follow the linear specification while the other two (mixed ability) will follow the modular specification. Other pupils will be prepared for GOML examinations Level Four or for the Entry Level Qualification in French, always with the aim of helping each pupil to attain his maximum potential. Pupils working for the GOML certificates need to study an extra topic in order to fulfil the requirements of the Programme of Study. This is clearly set out in the Schemes of work. As far as possible, given timetable constraints, every pupil who has achieved either GOML 2 or 3 will be given the opportunity to study either for GCSE French (if he is in 11Ac) or for GOML 3 or GOML 4 (if he is in 11Voc). A pupil who has not attained GOML 2 will be advised to study for the ELQ if it is offered during that academic year.

The second foreign language

The Department supports the ideology of diversity of foreign language provision and supports the inclusion of Spanish as a GOML or GCSE option.

We support the inclusion of Spanish as a second foreign language for several reasons.

2. Offering two foreign languages can only enhance the public image of the school.

4. Study of a second language will be of advantage to those linguists studying in third level education.

We have been using the AQA modular GCSE Spanish since 1998 and hope to continue with this.

For lower achieving pupils, the Department has decided that these pupils will continue to study French - we do not wish to switch languages at the end of Key Stage Three since the courses offered to these pupils in French provide them with the possibility of external certification.

Key Stage Five

Despite small numbers taking French at this level, we believe that it is important to keep this subject in the curriculum.

A vital part of this study is the possibility of a visit to France and we make every effort to encourage our pupils to do this. We feel that those pupils who have participated in the SELB work experience scheme have benefited greatly from it.

Since 2000 we have been preparing pupils for the AS and A2 French examinations offered by AQA.