Vocab Express, the online language learning application now used in almost 1000 schools in the UK and overseas, is today announcing an exciting new addition to its range of resources. Following the success of the verb conjugation resources for French, German and Spanish, launched in 2012, the company is now developing a comprehensive grammar module for French, with release scheduled for early 2016.
Justin Sycamore, Founder and Chief Executive of Toptrack Learning, says this is an exciting development for Vocab Express. “Since Vocab Express was launched in 2010, the response from teachers has been hugely positive. However, there has also been a growing appetite for an additional dimension to the students’ learning, which to date has predominantly been focused on vocabulary building. This new grammar module, developed together with renowned Modern Foreign Language authors Sue Finnie and Danièle Bourdais, will use the tried-and-tested Vocab Express formula – albeit alongside new-look activities - to provide an engaging and challenging way for students to practise French grammar.”
The grammar module will cater for Key Stages 3 and 4, from the basics right through to higher tier GCSE level. The content of the module is to be based on the newly-published GCSE specifications for teaching from September 2016. A wide range of grammatical areas will be covered, with a broad variety of activities pitched at different levels within each of these areas. The questions and grammar guidance sections are being created by Sue Finnie and Danièle Bourdais, accomplished authors with a wealth of experience compiling learning resources for students learning French. They commented, “We collaborated with Vocab Express on the verb conjugation resources a couple of years back and are delighted to join forces again with the new grammar module. We strongly believe a sound knowledge of grammar to be essential to language learning and we are fully aware of the need for constant practice and reinforcement. We look forward to developing an interesting, varied resource for students”. Content for Key Stage 5 is due to follow later in the year.
The aim is to present the grammar through structured, thorough and focused sequences of activities. To that end, there will be a range of activity types to ensure that students remain engaged throughout, including some which are completely new to Vocab Express. And as this is Vocab Express, teachers will of course be able to track their students’ progress through the grammar module thoroughly, including setting grammar-based homework assignments. It promises to add a new dimension to students’ learning on the application.
November 2015