Modern Languages


      


The modern languages taught at KNBS are French and German.  They are currently taught  up to GCSE level at KNBS but can be studied to A/S and A Level at King’s Norton Girls’ School, in our joint Sixth Form arrangement.  This is reviewed on a yearly basis.

The following is a brief outline of the work of the department and will be updated in the near future.  It is a time of transition, during which we are introducing new course books and new subject specifications

In Year 7, all boys learn French and we have just introduced Fusée, which we believe the pupils will find motivating.  Pupils are placed in two bands of ability but we will proceed at the same pace, whilst working at different depth, thus making transfer between bands straightforward.  In year 8, the higher band continue the study of French but also take up German.  The course books are Auf Deutsch and Deutsch Heute but, as with all course books, they are supplemented greatly.  This arrangement lasts until the end of year 9. Pupils can then choose to continue with German to GCSE or study another subject.  In years 10 and 11, all pupils study for French GCSE.  Those in the first two sets follow the Tricolore course, books 4 and 5, and the other pupils follow a modular scheme leading to the GCSE and the Certificate of Achievement, using a wide variety of resources.  Therefore, many pupils achieve two certificates. We find that this motivates pupils considerably, by giving them short-term goals, and real achievement is rewarded.

The department are very happy to answer any enquiries