The modern languages curriculum in 5e
The 5e class marks the start of learning a second modern language, offering a total of 5h30 of lessons each week for teaching the 2 chosen languages. For reference, French takes up 4h30 of lessons, as does science & technology, mathematics takes 3h30 and history-geography, 3h.
Modern languages (LV1 and LV2) in detail
Whatever language is chosen as First Modern Language (LV1), teaching in 5e continues on from that of 6e. There is no set curriculum, but there are 5 defined language skills: listening and understanding, speaking continuously, writing, interacting and dialoguing, and discovering the cultural aspects of a modern language. The goal is to reach level A2 by the end of cycle 4 in these 5 skills, meaning identifying the topic of conversation, understanding the main points of a short spoken message, as well as everyday familiar expressions. By the end of the 5e year, a 5e student must be able to exchange simple information on everyday topics.
In LV2, the goal is to reach level A2 by the end of the cycle in at least 2 language skills. Traditionally, 5e students have chosen either German, English or Spanish as LV1. For LV2, the choice also tends to be between these 3 languages, although Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic or Chinese may also be chosen. Learning the language is accompanied by cultural awareness of the relevant country (Germany for German, Spain for Spanish and England for English), covering areas of everyday life.
