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NVQ Languages at Kingsmead
Case study
'Offering NVQ Spanish, German and French has improved student access to languages and enabled students of all abilities to continue their language studies. As a Language College we now have a greater number of students studying two languages by choice rather than direction.' (Bernie Lewis, Deputy Headteacher)
'NVQ languages offer our students the opportunity to study French, German or Spanish in a vocational context, enabling them to see true relevance and purpose. I am very much looking forward to the day when NVQ languages and work experience are linked and students really have the chance to put what they have learnt into action.' (Carole Poole, Careers Coordinator)
Context
Kingsmead Community School in Somerset is an 11-16 rural comprehensive school and a specialist Language and Humanities college. The school serves a wide geographical area in Somerset and has been oversubscribed for a number of years. The school was designated as a Language College in 2000 and, as a high performing specialist school, invited to apply for a second specialism in 2004. The two specialist areas play a key role in promoting innovative teaching and learning, and the school has established strong partnerships with feeder primary schools and the local community. Kingsmead is a fully inclusive school and has a strong student support system. A distinctive feature of Kingsmead is its international ethos, which is developed through the curriculum, through international school partnerships and an outstanding range of extra-curricular opportunities. In 2007, the school achieved its highest ever GCSE results with 69% A* to C.
Key objectives
To introduce NVQ for certain groups in KS4, thereby enabling all students to follow a language course leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
How the programme is organised
- The NVQ course at Level 2 was introduced to students unlikely to achieve a C grade at GCSE
- Other less able students with GCSE target grades of E and below are following a Level 1 NVQ course and some students are following an NVQ course in their second foreign language as an alternative to GCSE.
- The course is based on a range of motivating work-related contexts and students build a portfolio of evidence in all four skills. MP3 recorders are used to record speaking
- In Year 10, students have 2 hours per week of lessons either to complete the Level 1 course during that year or to start them on the Level 2 course
- In Year 11, students have 3 hours per week to complete Level 2.
Results/effect
The introduction of NVQs to the KS4 curriculum has had a considerable impact on student motivation and achievement. Two low ability Year 11 GCSE groups (one French, one German) were converted to NVQ groups after consultation with the students and their parents. Very few higher grade GCSE passes were expected in these groups, but over 90% achieved an NVQ at Level 2. Many students achieved their highest point score in the MFL NVQ and the department’s overall results at A*-C rose by 9% in German (from 77% to 86%) and 10% in French (from 67% to 77%).
This in an example of a Level 2 French portfolio produced in one year by a candidate who converted to NVQ, having begun a GCSE course.
- Module 1 portfolio pages (pdf, 3.79MB)
- Module 1 audio (wma, 1.05MB)
- Module 2 portfolio pages (pdf, 1.92MB)
- Module 2 audio (wma, 1.30MB)
- Module 3 portfolio pages (pdf, 6.78MB)
- Module 3 audio (wma, 1.31MB)
- Module 4 portfolio pages (pdf, 3.13MB)
- Module 4 audio 1 (wma, 709KB)
- Module 4 audio 2 (wma, 667KB)
Level 1 NVQs have replaced entry level certificates in the second MFL for less able students and have been equally well received by staff and students, who consider them more valuable and purposeful qualifications.
The NVQ qualification has given teachers of it the knowledge that these lessons have a real purpose and focus for the students, and after the initial shock about the amount of paperwork involved, there is great satisfaction in seeing the students achieve the qualification.
The first NVQ results in 2007 were stunning.
'I'd never thought about travelling before...looks like I could go to France now!' (Year 11 boy)
'I wish I could do NVQ in every subject.' (Year 11 boy)
Future developments
In 2008, Kingsmead is hoping for record results as NVQ courses will be completed by four classes in Year 11 (70 students) and four classes in Year 10 (75 students).
The school’s development of NVQ courses has been followed with interest by Somerset schools through the county newsletter and they will be running information and training days to help other schools set up NVQ courses.
In the future, it is planned to build on the success already experienced with the NVQ course by continuing to offer Level 1 and Level 2 courses as alternatives to GCSE for the lower ability classes at KS4. The aim is to develop existing modules of work to make them the best they can possibly be. A further aim is to develop new modules to take full advantage of the community radio project operating in our area.
Authors: The NVQ Team at Kingsmead - Caroline Buttivant, Hannah Bevis, Julie Elmy, Eva Heim, Sam Morgan, Kim Sheppard
