Modern Languages

We want pupils to develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, to be able to express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently. Pupils will listen to and understand clear articulated speech and deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary. Through their learning pupils acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through using a range of authentic resources and develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where the target language is spoken. Pupils make appropriate links to other curriculum areas to enable deeper learning. Lessons develop language skills for both immediate use and travel and to prepare them for further language study and employment. No matter where your future may take you, whether in the UK or abroad, studying a Modern Language enhances your literacy and communication skills and makes you more employable.

Through both Key Stages 3 and 4, we aim to develop pupils abilities to use Modern Languages for practical communication and to offer them an insight into the language, culture and civilisation of French and German speaking countries. We strive to make language learning an enjoyable, relevant, successful and rewarding experience and seek to develop the key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. ICT, pair-work, group-work, games and songs play key roles in Modern Language learning at Fairfield.

The Modern Languages Faculty also offers a host of enrichment activities such as our popular visits to Paris, Nice and Cologne in Key Stage 3 and Nice and Berlin during Key Stage 4. These trips are open to all pupils irrespective of the Modern Language that they are studying. We also offer a theatre show in French or German during Key Stage 3. In addition, all pupils have the opportunity to subscribe annually to full-colour magazines that are written in the target language and to buy discounted study guides.

Careers in Modern Languages