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Italian
Key Stage 3
In
Year 9 pupils begin the study of Italian as a third language option and
are placed in one of two or three groups based on their ability already
shown in French and German. Girls learn how to conduct a variety of everyday
conversations and have the opportunity to put these into practice in Italy
if they take part in the 3-day trip to Bologna/Rimini in June.
Girls are introduced to the basic grammatical concepts of the language.
Classes are conducted mainly in Italian and pupils are actively encouraged
to use the language as much as possible themselves. The four skills of
Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are developed during the course
of the year. Topics covered include self, countries, descriptions, free
time, talking about their town, as well as classroom language. Assessment
is by means of mid-year tests and end of year examination.
GCSE
The
course aims to develop the students' understanding of the language, their
ability to communicate effectively, their knowledge and application of
grammar, and their knowledge and understanding of Italian life and culture.
In Year 10, girls have the opportunity to take part in a trip to Urbino where they will have daily language lessons and excursions each afternoon. They will stay with Italian families.
The topics covered, on which GCSE assessment
will be based are My World (self, interests and daily life), Holiday Time
and Travel, Work and Lifestyle and the Young Person in Society (Personal
Relationships, The Environment, Careers).
The GCSE assesses the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The weighting is 20% listening, 20% reading and speaking and writing are both weighted at 30%.
AS/A2 ITALIAN
At
AS students develop and deepen their knowledge of Italian life and language,
and their ability to speak and write to a sophisticated level. In addition
to the six lessons as a group, students will spend a lesson a week in conversation
with our native Italian language assistant on an individual basis or in
a pair. At the end of the AS course each will be orally assessed on an area of interest in Italian culture, which the
student has researched and prepared.
At A2 students develop further and in addition to their ongoing study
of general Italian topic areas, will study a Special topic and a literary
text. Their speaking exam will involve debate on a controversial
issue followed by discussion of further linked, and unpredictable issues.
The
AS & A2 courses do demand commitment, enthusiasm and a willingness
to undertake study independently as well as in the classroom…and
the results are well worth it. Students are proud and sometimes astonished
by the level of their Italian by the end of the course, and enjoy a real
sense of achievement. They have the opportunity to go on work experience in Italy in Yr12 or 13.
Click here for useful websites
For more A-level information please visit the Sixth Form pages.