Modern Foreign Languages

At Thomas More Catholic School, we introduce pupils to learning French and Spanish in year 7. Both languages are compulsory until Year 9, when many pupils choose to continue French or Spanish to GCSE.

French and Spanish form part of the EBacc, which is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps students’ options open for further study and future careers.

French and Spanish at Key Stage 3

We are a successful department with excellent GCSE results. We are well-equipped with online textbooks, Dynamo (French) and Viva (Spanish), on Pearson Activelearn, which is a language learning platform that we use in class. Additionally, we have homework that matches each lesson. Pupils have a login and password that they can access in school and at home for their weekly homework.

In each lesson, we practise the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

With our Assessment for Learning policy, we regularly assess students on different skills. All pupils have a target for the year, which they are encouraged to exceed. We cater to the needs of all pupils and we adapt our teaching to different abilities.

French and Spanish at Key Stage 4

At the end of Year 9 when students choose their options, we are pleased that French and Spanish are popular choices. We have both Foundation and Higher materials to ensure pupils achieve their best at their level.

Language Lab

We have a dedicated computer room; pupils access various audio and visual materials in French and Spanish. Pupils can manage their listening tasks individually through headphones. This enables them to practise their listening skill by encouraging them to learn independently.

Additional and recommended learning tools or reading

• Philip Horsfall Vocabulary for GCSE French, Philip Horsfall Vocabulary for GCSE Spanish
• Oxford French mini dictionary and Oxford Spanish mini dictionary
• Collins Easy Learning Verbs for French and Collins Easy Learning Verbs for Spanish