Curriculum
Students at Thorns study French and German in Key Stage 3 and German or French in Key Stage 4.
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9), students lay down a foundation of knowledge in preparation for GCSE. They study topics such as “Introducing Myself”, “Sports and Hobbies”, and “School”. We introduce students to the culture of the countries where the language is spoken in order to develop their awareness of life in other countries.
At Key Stage 4, the majority of students study a language with the aim of each young person achieving their full potential at GCSE level, whilst at the same time developing their enthusiasm for languages and improving their earning potential in their future career.
The Thorns Languages Department makes language learning enjoyable and rewarding through the use of technology, cultural activities on Focus Days and trip abroad.
Students learn how to:
- greet each other and introduce themselves
- describe their family and pets
- talk about hobbies and sports
- talk about their school
- say what there is in their town
Students learn how to:
- say what they did on holiday
- talk about TV, films and books
- explore healthy eating
- talk about their daily routine
- make arrangements to go out
For GCSE students build on the topics and grammar they studied in KS3. They study themes such as identity and culture, local, national and global areas of interest, and current and future study and employment. The final exams at the end of year 11 are divided up into the four language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Each skill is worth 25%.
Mrs J Blackadder
Studied German and Business Studies in Sheffield and then worked in Tourism, travelling for several years before qualifying as a teacher of German and French. Travelling and experiencing new cultures is still a great passion of mine.
