SECOND LANGUAGE - LANGUAGE 2 - L2

 RATIONALE
The learning of languages is a defining feature of the European Schools, giving the schools much of their special character. The place of the second language (L2) is central: it provides the means of engagement with a major culture different from the students' own but linked to it by a common European heritage. As well as personal and social benefit, learning a second language should widen students' educational and employment opportunities. 

The teaching of a second language aims to develop pupils' abilities to communicate effectively and enable them to be enthusiastic and responsive learners. Our pupils need to be able to use their L2 with sufficient competence to meet the specific requirements of the European Schools.

Pupils’ knowledge of vocabulary and grammar is developed through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Linguistic and cultural backgrounds are recognised and used to encourage the children to transfer the skills, knowledge and understanding of one language to another.

ORGANISATION
German, English and French are offered as L2 from Year 1 Primary.

Children are taught in mixed ability groups with a maximum of 25. There is no special provision for beginners in Years 1/2. Beginners in Years 3/4/5 may be taught in separate groups until they are sufficiently fluent to join the main group.

L2 lessons are daily at 9.25 - 9.55 for Years 1/2; 10.25 -11.10 for Years 3/4; 11.10 - 11.55 for Year 5.

Lessons for Year 1 start in the second half of the Autumn Term.
Reading and writing are introduced formally from Year 3. 

GERMAN/FRENCH
A number of initiatives are in place to support the learning of German and French and to promote their use outside the classroom. Pupils may spend some time in the class corresponding to their L2 (immersion) and attend performances. Between November and May pupils in Year 5* join a Dejeuner Francais/ Deutches Mittagspause at lunch time on Wednesdays. These are organized by a group of parents and include conversation and games. Whole school activities include Deutsche Woche, la semaine de la francophonie and a Cine Club.* Pupils in Year 4 with L2 D join depending on numbers.

Pupils arriving in Years 2 and 4 may join Years 1 and 3 whose L2 lessons are at the same time.

ENGLISH
The level of our pupils’ English ranges from beginner to bi-lingual/fluent. To ensure that each pupil makes appropriate progress particular strategies are required. These are incorporated in a Local Plan, which is reviewed annually.  Because of the numbers of pupils taking English there are at least two parallel groups in each year with a beginners’ group in Years 3/4 and 5. Harmonised planning ensures a common approach and continuity; it also facilitates regular regrouping for reading and spelling/writing.

LANGUAGE RESOURCES CENTRE
This is located in Room 84 (Hostel Block) and is open on
Tuesdays from 14.50 – 15.35 and on Fridays from 11.20 – 11.50.
Here you will find a wide range of language resources -including  books, videos, DVDs, audio-books and games- in German, English and French (as well as  Dutch, Italian, Irish and Spanish). These resources, which have been selected by teachers and paid for jointly by CESPA and the school, are available to parents for use at home to promote language acquisition.

IN-SERVICE TRAINING
There is an on-going programme of centralized in-service training courses for all teachers of L2. These courses, which are organized by the relevant Inspectors, take place once every five years.

MATERIALS
A payment of £10 per child is added to the fees invoice to cover all stationery, books and materials.

REPORTS
At the end of each semester you receive a written report on your child's progress.

HOMEWORK
Homework is set on Thursdays only.

MEETINGS
Parents will be invited to an information evening during the first half-term.

If you wish to discuss your child’s progress contact your child’s L2 teacher directly for an appointment.