Progression

 
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Progression should be a feature of language teaching and learning over a period of time. Learning should follow a spiral pattern: introduction of new material, practice, consolidation and recap.
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Language-learning involves a strong element of repetition. However this does not mean that it needs to stand still. Old material can be recycled in different forms, in new contexts and adding elements of challenge and freshness.
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Pupils are quick to point out that they have done something already. Even if they do not know the material well, they will soon become demotivated if they perceive it to be too juvenile or stale.
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We should aim to extend areas which have already been covered so that pupils can revise old material whilst moving their language competence forward into new realms.
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Match the material with the age-group. Make sure visuals are not too childish. Avoid material which is dated or patronising.

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Examples of how to move pupils on:
Pets: In Year 7 the focus could be mainly lexical. Add a few useful adjectives - my dog is lazy; my hamster is greedy. In Year 9 and above this could be extended to more detailed descriptions of their appearance and habits.
Daily routine: In Year 7/8 the focus could be on a short set of simple statements and times. In Years 10/11, aim for more detail - where, why, opinions. Develop the statements using the past, present and future. Do lots of work on contrastive structures: Normally I get up at 7.00 but yesterday I got up at 12.00. This helps to reinforce grammatical rules. I get up at 12.00 on Sundays but my grandpa gets up at 8.00
Illness & Injury: At KS3, the emphasis is generally on generating the phrases. J'ai mal à la tête, Je suis enrhumé. Plenty of mime and visuals help to reinforce the word-sound patterns. At KS4, extend the focus to give reasons and to use the phrases with other tenses. I drank too much yesterday. Now I have a headache. I've got a cold because I went swimming in a lake. The present-participle can be usefully introduced in French in the context of injury. Je me suis cassé le bras en jouant au foot. Most pupils should be taught ths for recognition purposes only. The more able can be trained to produce it.
Weather expressions: Years 7 and 8 normally learn sets of expressions - try to tie it in to everyday questioning - it can be part of a routine set of regular questions. I sometimes begin a piece of written work with a brief 'weather report' under the date and title. Years 10 & 11 will need to recognise and sometimes use weather expressions in the past tense. Link the expressions to relevant activities. The sun was shining so we went for a walk. It was raining so we stayed in and watched a video.