All pupils begin to study French when they enter Year 7 at Witton Park, which gives both pupils and staff a clear focus. They learn firstly how to introduce themselves and have short conversations, and their vocabulary and skills increase throughout the year. In Years 7,8 & 9 we are introducing the National Strategy Framework for teaching languages and we are following the Heinemann Expo Course. Pupils have set objectives each year, which enable them to gain skills to make direct and personal contact with other people and their cultures.

 

 

A great way to start getting to know and understand other people better is learning their language.

 

In Years 10 and 11 you will be following a GCSE course, using skills in listening, speaking and reading with written coursework worth 25% of the overall exam.

 

 

Here at Witton Park, we support the importance of learning other languages. We have run a number of successful language days and promoted European Day of Languages.

 

 

 'Modern languages prepare you for modern life.'

'As the world gets smaller, there’s never been a better opportunity to get into languages.'

'I've really enjoyed learning Spanish and Japanese. Getting to grips with a new language can be great fun, and you learn so much about other people and what makes them tick.'

'Immersing yourself in the culture is critical to making it work abroad.'

 

'I would love to do a French movie or a Spanish movie, in the language. When you speak a different language, whether or not you're fluent in it, you immerse yourself into a completely different person.'

 

Captain of Nigeria and Bolton Wanderers, Jay Jay Okocha:

'The fact that I speak several languages will give me an advantage in talking to all the players at the club.'

 

His club manager, Sam Allardyce, adds: 'He can converse in three or four languages which is very important in our multi-language team, both off the field and on it.'

 

Hollywood star Charlize Theron learned many of the 28 languages she speaks from the staff on her parents' farm.

 

'Learning a language makes our minds stronger and more flexible. Actually using it gives us an entirely new experience of the world.'

 

Michael Owen won the Madrid fans over when he greeted them at the press conference by saying '¡Buenos días a todos!'.

 

'Although I'm known first and foremost as an athlete, my foreign language skills have given another dimension to my career. I regularly use French and German when I travel to compete in Europe.'

 

 

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Helpful website links:

 

Here are some great resources for getting to grips with foreign languages:

www.bbc.co.uk/languages/       - Cultural information & focus on language learning, including slang!

www.languageskills.co.uk/         - Interactive activities from beginners in Year 7 to A level

www.mflgames.co.uk               - Modern languages games in French, Spanish & German

www.linguaweb.com                - Online language learning resources

www.languagesonline.org.uk/    - Lots of games to practice vocabulary

www.francomix.com/home.html - French music, festivals & events

www.cilt.org.uk/                      -National Centre for Languages