Modern Foreign Languages
In Modern Languages, we aim to develop students’ ability to communicate accurately and with confidence in French and Spanish both orally and in written form.
During our language lessons, students use traditional and new media to complete activities using all four skills. We place a huge emphasis on student engagement and aim for students to enjoy their lessons and have fun experimenting with the language.
Listening and speaking exercises are designed for students to extend their vocabulary and ultimately autonomously improve their communication, pronunciation and fluency. Speaking activities are conducted in pairs or in groups in the target language with an emphasis on collaborative support and peer assessment. This helps students to build their confidence when speaking another language and to foster their imagination and competence when creating their own speaking activities. Writing and reading exercises reinforce and extend their knowledge of vocabulary as well as focussing on spelling and grammar. Part of our homework strategy is to encourage students to read texts independently and to write their response to a set task as well as to research cultural and social topics. In addition, we expect students to commit to learning vocabulary on a regular basis. This knowledge is tested in class. We also aim to promote students’ independent learning and enjoyment of the language across all Key Stages, by playing games and team-based activities using technology and games. We also have subscriptions to interactive language software which can also be accessed from home.
We are a hard-working and dedicated team that come from a wide variety of educational and personal backgrounds. Our team consists of one native speaker and staff who have spent time in French and Spanish speaking countries and as a result are extremely talented linguists. We are an experienced team and look forward to welcoming new teachers and trainee teachers in a supportive and friendly department. In addition, we have embraced fully the opportunities that Google has offered us and regularly seek opportunities to embed technology into our teaching so we develop as teachers.
Key Stage 3
Our modern language students will be able to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.
We will also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read texts in the original language. They will develop an appreciation for the languages studied and gain a deeper understanding of the culture of French and Spanish speaking countries. Students in year 7 will study either French OR Spanish based on their House. They will then continue with either French OR Spanish throughout KS3 in order to best prepare them for the challenge of the new GCSEs.
Students are taught in mixed ability groups.
Topics studied in MFL include:
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Information | Personal Details | Personal Details |
| Numbers | Food & Drink | Clothes |
| Family | Future Tense | Hobbies/Leisure Activities |
| Physical Descriptions | Future Holidays | Jobs & Ambitions |
| Pets | Dream Holidays | Part-time Jobs |
| School & Subjects | TV & Media | A Past Holiday |
| Time | ||
| Clothes | ||
| Free Time |
Key Stage 4 - GCSE
In Key Stage 4, our modern language students can choose to benefit from further language learning and add a European dimension to their choice of GCSE subjects, which is something that many future employers and higher education providers look for.
Whilst studying a foreign language is not compulsory, there is an expectation that students will continue to study a language until the end of Key Stage 4.
The new GCSE course offers the opportunity to study some literary texts as well as transactional language in the speaking exam. They will learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, confidence in speaking in public and off the cuff and using problem solving strategies to respond to a range of text types.
The MFL course itself is split into 3 main themes:
- Identity and culture
- Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Current and future study and employment
The new GCSE is examined at the end of the two year course:
There are four papers, each covering one skill: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
All set and marked by AQA with 25% equal weighting for each skill. There are tiered papers in all four skills, students must sit either Foundation Tier or Higher Tier in all four skills.
The department follows AQA and more information about the course and subject specification can be found at: www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages
Students are taught in a mixed ability setting.
French including Enrichment & Extra-curricular
In year 7 one of our lessons is based on French culture where students have the opportunity to learn about France and French speaking countries.
We have a MFL buddy system to support students’ love of learning languages. We offer a French support session at lunchtime which aims to support students who would like support with their language learning.
French enrichment - we offer a trip to Paris in KS4
Our GCSE French trip to Paris offers students an exciting opportunity to develop their language skills while experiencing the rich culture, history and atmosphere of the French capital.
Students will take part in a two-hour intensive French language course at a language college in central Paris, giving them the chance to develop their confidence and put their classroom learning into practice.
Alongside their language studies, students will explore some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy a range of cultural experiences, including: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur, a boat trip along the River Seine, a visit to the Marché d’Aligre and La Chocolaterie Beussent Lachelle.
Spanish including Enrichment & Extra-curricular
In year 7 one of our lessons is based on Spanish culture where students have the opportunity to learn about Spain and Spanish speaking countries.
We have a MFL buddy system to support students’ love of learning languages. We offer a Spanish support session at lunchtime which aims to support students who would like support with their language learning.
Spanish enrichment - we offer a trip to Andalucia in KS4
Our GCSE Spanish trip to Andalucía offers students an exciting opportunity to develop their language skills while experiencing the rich culture, history and traditions of southern Spain.
Students will take part in a one-hour intensive Spanish language lesson, giving them the chance to build their confidence and put their classroom learning into practice.
Alongside their language studies, students will explore the region’s fascinating heritage and vibrant atmosphere, visiting the beautiful cities of Córdoba, Granada and Málaga. Through these visits, students will discover stunning architecture, historic landmarks and the distinctive culture of Andalucía.
MFL Department
| Subject Lead | Ms K Simón |
| Assistant Subject Lead | Ms A Fauvel |
| Mrs E Ferris | |
| Ms C Jouan | |
| Mr J Pickard | |
| Miss C Quionquion | |
| Mrs E Thorndyke | |
| Spanish Language Assistant | Ms A Fleitas |