Modern Foreign Languages

During key stage 3, pupils learn at least one modern foreign language. They are taught the basic building blocks of the language, including how to listen carefully, grammar and vocabulary, how to pronounce words and phrases properly, how to start conversations and how to read texts for information.

Children are taught:

• the principles of sounds and writing
• grammar - and how to apply it
• how to express themselves using a range of vocabulary and structures
• how to listen carefully for gist and detail
• correct pronunciation and intonation
• how to ask and answer questions
• how to initiate and develop conversations
• how to vary the target language to suit context, audience and purpose
• how to adapt language they already know for different contexts
• techniques for skimming and for scanning written texts for information
• how to summarise and report the main points of written or spoken texts
• how to redraft writing to improve its accuracy and presentation
• techniques for memorising words, phrases and short extracts
• how to use context and other clues to interpret
• how to use dictionaries and other reference materials appropriately and effectively

At the end of Key Stage 3 (age 14), most children are able to:

• understand spoken language and written extracts
• cope with language spoken at normal speed
• pick out the main points and the details of what someone is saying
• take part in conversations, talking about events in the past, present and future
• use the language to find out most of the day-to-day information and explanations
• make themselves understood fairly easily
• read and understand writing about events in the past, present and future
• skim a piece of writing to pick out the information they need
• pick out the main points and the details in an extract of writing
• read on their own, for enjoyment as well as for information
• use sentences, paragraphs and descriptive words
• write about events in the past, present and future
• make their meaning clearly understood