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Asset Languages at the end of Key Stage 3 to encourage greater uptake in Key Stage 4
Context
Westwood Language College for Girls is a comprehensive school in the borough of Croydon. The majority of students are drawn from areas in the north of the borough, which are relatively disadvantaged. The proportion of students from ethnic minority groups and with a first language other than English is above the national average, as is the number of students from refugee families. The percentage of students with special educational needs is higher than the national average, although the number with a statement is low.
Key objectives
The introduction of Asset Languages in KS3 to motivate students to continue with a second language in KS4.
How the programme is organised
All students study French for GCSE and they choose between German, Spanish and Japanese for a second language. There are 3 hours of second language every two weeks. Spanish and Japanese are currently the most popular languages.
In KS4 a second language is optional although students are encouraged to carry on with it. There is currently one group per language in Year 11.
Asset Languages is used to reward students after completing the KS3 course and to motivate them to carry on with languages in KS4. They take the breakthrough exams and all the students are awarded an external certificate so all of them feel they have achieved well.
The teacher resources pack is used to give students practice before the exam. In addition, teachers have created a set of pictures to practice for the oral exam where students have to state the differences between two pictures. Staff have not found it necessary to produce a special scheme of work but use the existing one.
Results/effect
Last year was the first time the Asset examinations were taken. Students took the external qualification in the Breakthrough level. Most of the students achieved level 3 and some of them achieved level 2.
The headteacher gave the certificates in an assembly praising the students for their hard work and their good results.
One group took the internal teacher qualification and they were very motivated. They clearly enjoyed their oral exam and the experience made them confident in their oral skills.
'Asset languages has increased the motivation of my Year 9 who by this time of the year know they will not carry on with Spanish for KS4 usually feel demotivated in lessons. Asset Languages has greatly helped to avoid this as they are working to achieve their qualification.' Teacher at Westwood
Future developments
This year all the students doing Spanish at KS3 will take the Breakthrough Asset Language qualification as staff are pleased with the impact it has had on the students. It is hoped that there will be an increase in numbers of students electing to continue the study of a second language in KS4.
Author: Ana Lopez, Head of Spanish
