The Turkish Department at The English School plays a vital role in equipping students with advanced proficiency in Turkish language and literature. Through a comprehensive curriculum spanning from Year 1 to Year 6, the department offers students a deeper understanding of Turkish culture while preparing them for both local and international environments. The curriculum aligns with government standards and adapts to the unique educational needs of English School students.
Year 1
In Year 1, students focus on building core competencies in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The curriculum is divided into two tracks: one for native speakers and another for non-native speakers. Each group is allocated nine periods over a 10-day cycle.
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Non-Native Speakers: Emphasis is placed on vocabulary, comprehension, and basic writing skills, such as describing people, giving instructions, and letter writing. Activities include drama, group presentations, and debates to foster language creativity and confidence.
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Native Speakers: Literature and language skills are explored through Turkish texts. Students study literary techniques and historical contexts to enhance analytical and writing skills. Activities include creating presentations, short films, posters, and participating in debates and drama.
Year 2
By Year 2, students develop greater fluency in formal Turkish with 10 periods in their schedule. The curriculum includes advanced grammar, reading comprehension, and literary appreciation through works like Animal Farm by George Orwell (translated). Activities encourage a deeper understanding of literature, presentation skills, and creative language use.
Year 3
Year 3 serves as a preparatory phase for the Cambridge IGCSE First Language Turkish exam in Year 4. Students expand their reading and comprehension skills, delve into advanced language structures, and engage in literature like The Anatolian Legends by Yaşar Kemal. This year’s focus is on enhancing bilingual translation skills and oral presentation through film analysis and coursework.
IGCSE (Year 4)
The Cambridge IGCSE First Language Turkish course is a two-year program aimed at developing written proficiency in Turkish. The syllabus includes:
- Paper 1 (Reading): Focused on comprehension, interpretation, and analytical skills based on given texts.
- Paper 2 (Writing): Students compose two essays, fostering argumentation, description, and narrative abilities.
The IGCSE course aims to prepare students for further academic or professional pursuits by building a strong foundation in Turkish language and literature.
A-Level (Years 4-6)
Students pursuing Turkish A-Level follow the Edexcel syllabus, studying both language and Modern Turkish Literature. In Year 4, students focus on foundational content, while in Year 5 and 6, they deepen their knowledge in areas such as:
- Key Themes: Turkish society, art and culture, political issues, and societal change in Turkey and Cyprus.
- Assessment: The final exams assess listening, reading, writing, and translation skills through structured papers.
Turkish Language for Non-Native Speakers
For non-native speakers, the department offers a tailored Turkish program based on individual assessment. The curriculum prepares students to sit for the GCSE Turkish Exam under the Edexcel Board, providing foundational language skills for communication and understanding Turkish culture.
Advanced Level Themes and Research
The advanced curriculum for Year 6 includes engaging themes and independent research projects, enabling students to study and critically analyze Turkish literature, film, and socio-cultural topics. Core skills assessed include:
- Translation and Comprehension: Translating between Turkish and English and analyzing literary works.
- Research and Critical Analysis: Independent research projects allow students to investigate cultural and social contexts within Turkey and Cyprus, enhancing skills that are valuable for higher education.
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Creative and structured writing
- Cultural awareness and appreciation of Turkish heritage
- Practical application of language in diverse contexts
The Turkish Department aims to foster a love for the Turkish language and culture, inspiring students to engage meaningfully with Turkish literature and society. Through a curriculum that emphasizes critical and creative thinking, the Turkish Department supports the development of well-rounded, culturally aware graduates.
