Students at Oaks Park study both French and Spanish at Key Stage 3, promoting good communication skills in an international community. They make progress in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. We use a wide range of teaching and learning styles to maximise motivation and student potential. Students are encouraged to communicate in role plays, dialogues and songs. They listen to authentic speakers and look at a variety of texts to develop grammar and accuracy.
At Key Stage 4 students can choose French, Spanish or both for GCSE. There are also plans to develop language courses with vocational subjects, such as Leisure and Tourism. Students develop their skills and confidence in speaking and comprehension. They take exams in listening, speaking and reading, whilst writing is assessed through coursework, allowing independent study in their chosen language.
Students can continue to study both French and Spanish to AS and A2 level in the Sixth Form.
Our foreign language assistants in both French and Spanish play a valuable role in the school. We also run language clubs for Years 7 to 9 and GCSE students can attend language clinics and revision sessions. Our Year 7 day trip to Boulogne is very popular and other trips are being developed, including a long week-end in Barcelona. We are planning to set up a links with schools overseas in order to further inspire students with the languages in and out of the classroom.