Modern Languages (French, Modern Hebrew, Spanish)
The Modern Languages Faculty at Immanuel College aims to install in our students not only a true appreciation and an enjoyable experience of language learning, but also an understanding of other cultures through exposure to literature, film and current affairs.
safa ħadasha hi ħaiym ħadashim.
שפה חדשה היא חיים חדשים.
A new language is a new life.
Un nuevo idioma es una nueva vida.
Pupils will learn three modern languages whilst at Immanuel College: French, Modern Hebrew and Spanish. Lessons in the Modern Language Faculty are fast-paced and interactive, using a variety of resources including digital learning materials. There is a significant emphasis on teaching in the language itself and pupils are encouraged to respond accordingly! Modern Hebrew is taught as a special language which connects Jewish people everywhere. It equips pupils with a vital set of communication skills which enable them to extend their understanding and appreciation of Israeli way of life and culture.
In Year 7 pupils learn either Spanish or French and Modern Hebrew. French and Spanish are taught in mixed-ability sets and Modern Hebrew is taught in ability groupings. In Year 8 pupils get to choose to continue to study two languages and this is a free choice between French, Spanish and Modern Hebrew. Where possible we try to set and these sets are determined by their results at the end of each End of Unit test as well as their results at the end of Year 7 examination. In Years 7-9 the emphasis is on encouraging pupils to gain excellent language skills and on building linguistic confidence.
For GCSE, most of our pupils study at least one language, with significant numbers opting to study two. By the end of Year 11 our aim is that pupils will be able to use their language effectively for practical communication, have some insight into the culture and civilisation of the countries of their chosen language(s), including the Jewish dimension, and will derive pleasure from their exposure to a variety of authentic resources, including literary extracts, film clips and short films, magazines and newspapers. All three languages follow the AQA GCSE course. The examinations, which are all taken at the end of Year 11, are divided equally between the four skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
In the Modern Languages Department at Immanuel College at Key Stage 5 our aim is for our students to learn to collect, analyse and exchange information, ideas and attitudes through the medium of the language as well as to develop an interest in the contemporary culture of the countries in which their chosen language is spoken. Students are encouraged to undertake independent study and are regularly required to discuss the news or to present topics of interest in class. Students at Key Stage 5 will study in much smaller sets and will have eight lessons per week which are divided between two teachers. In French and Spanish students also have the opportunity to work with our language assistants, who provide conversation sessions on a weekly basis.
The extra-curricular life of the Modern Languages faculty includes opportunities to travel in order to widen the language learning experience. In Year 9 students all take part in the Immanuel College Israel Trip, where they have the opportunity to put into practice the Hebrew that they have learnt. In Year 10 pupils studying French and Spanish have the opportunity to go on a 4-day educational, cultural and social trip to either Strasbourg or Madrid, where they can make use of the language that they have learnt as well to discover more about the fascinating culture of the countries. We also have links in France and Spain for work experience for our Sixth Form students.
We have very popular Modern Languages speaking clubs for Year 11 pupils in all three languages; as well as an extremely well-attended Israel Society which regularly offers a high calibre of speakers on a range of Israel-linked topics, including politics, history and art.
The highlight of the year in the Modern Languages faculty is our Focus Week, during which we encourage pupils, and staff, to greet each other in a variety of languages! Key Stage 3 pupils are treated to a week of language-based and cultural activities, such as Flamenco dancing or a French play and we invite a range of speakers to talk to students in Key Stages 4 and 5; past speakers have included a Premier League football interpreter, an international lawyer, a television producer and a CEO of ebay. We are also hosting French and Spanish language assistants as part of the British Council program next year, which will provide all classes with opportunities to speak French and Spanish with native speakers as part of their lessons.
