Modern Foreign Languages
The National Curriculum for Languages aims to ensure that:
- All pupils can understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of sources and contexts,
- Speak the language fluently with confidence and spontaneity in discussion.
We have carefully considered how our subjects meet the National Curriculum and examination board content, while building the necessary skills to respond and produce the language with increased confidence.
The methodology that underpins the delivery of languages at all KS is based loosely upon the principles of the Gianfranco Conti’s method.
- Modelling and working on meaning
- Awareness raising (how structures fit into the language of Grammar and how we develop grammatical structures)
- Structured production (phonics to support pronunciation/ input of vocabulary and structures / guided production of language). This is supported by building sentence techniques such as writing frames or sentence builders sheets .
- Autonomy (unpicking how students can use their knowledge to produce the language in multiple contexts).
The development of speaking goes from phonics (pronouncing specific sounds) to “chunks” of pronunciation to help build confidence and later on fluency.
Students develop understanding of the culture and language through reading literary texts to stimulate ideas and develop creative expression, especially at KS5 and KS4 .
Finally, one of the key elements for MFL is retention or how to get the knowledge from short term memory to long term memory: we do this through strategies such as revision of current topic and past themes, tests, games, quizzes, dictation, unit assessment, revision of high frequency vocabulary (adjectives, time frames etc... for example) as part of multiple contexts. The curriculum maps also state how to revise for MFL.
Year 7
Year 7
In Year 7, students are placed into teaching groups where they learn either French or Spanish. For either language in the first term, they follow a transition unit which will either revisit the language they may have met at primary school, or introduce the basics of their chosen language (talking about myself, numbers, the alphabet, items in the classroom, etc), which prepares them for the requirements of KS3 curriculum. Topics that are covered include: my family, free time and hobbies, where I live, my school and holidays. Students cover a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in each topic, such as expressing opinions, giving reasons and developing description in the present tense, as well as looking at the use of the future tense to describe what they are going to do.
To view the MFL Department KS3 Curriculum Maps please click below:
Year 8
Year 8
In Year 8, students continue with the language of study from Year 7. The main focus is to build on level of detail in written and spoken work, through use of opinions, justification and introduction to the past tense while revisiting schema of vocabulary, adjectives and verbs studied in Y7. Students learn to adapt prior knowledge to different contexts.These new contexts are : media (tv/cinema/use of technology), holidays, food and drink, healthy living and going out (making arrangements, making/declining invitations). There are also opportunities to build on the skills, such as spontaneous speaking and translation to and from French/Spanish.
To view the MFL Department KS3 Curriculum Maps please click below:
Year 9
Year 9
In Year 9, students continue to build on prior knowledge and content covered in Years 7 and 8. There is a focus on revising prior learning and deepening understanding, as well as developing all 4 skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing.
To view the MFL Department KS3 Curriculum Maps please click below:
Year 10 - 11
At GCSE, students follow the AQA specification where all 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing are equally assessed (25% of final mark each). There is a bigger emphasis on knowledge of grammar, translation skills, exposure to literary texts and speaking spontaneously.
Students are expected to learn vocabulary regularly, using their own methods or using Memrise/Quizlet/Duolingo, as well as practising language/structures met in lessons.High frequency schema of vocabulary, adjectives, tenses are revised throughout the topics to embed learning into the long term memory. Students have the opportunity to develop their comprehension skills.
To view the MFL Department KS4 Curriculum Maps please click below:
Year 12 - 13
A Level: Year 12 - 13
To view The MFL Department KS5 Curriculum Maps please click below:
At A Level, work continues on developing the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. A more in-depth study of grammatical structures is undertaken, leading to increased confidence with the language and ability to manipulate the language for your own ends. Lessons are conducted in the foreign language and a variety of topic areas are covered, in much greater depth than at GCSE level.
In preparation for the speaking exam, students also conduct their own individual research project (IRP), which is wholly rooted in French/Francophone or Spanish/Hispanic culture. This is assessed through a presentation and discussion at the end of Year 13 in the Paper 3 speaking exam.
