The Team and Facilities:

The MFL department consists of the Head of Department and two members of teaching staff. We seek to inspire enthusiasm towards both foreign language learning and speakers of foreign languages. It is our aim to provide students with the opportunity to develop the ability to use language effectively for purposes of practical and meaningful communication whilst also promoting learning skills of more general application.

Each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard, Target Language (TL) games and authentic materials. The use of TL is strongly encouraged at all times by students.

KEY STAGE 3

In Year 7, students study both French and Spanish. As a new and exciting initiative, this is something that we are keen to develop further. Currently in Years 8 and 9, students study French. Our vision is that students shall choose to study either French or Spanish after Year 7. The course offers students the opportunity to develop confidence in listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation. Great emphasis is placed on grammar thus enabling students to use and manipulate a variety of key language features with confidence and spontaneity. Grammar is introduced and reused throughout the course. Students also explore literary texts in the TL such as authentic poems and stories.

KEY STAGE 4

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) in French consists of four externally examined papers based on the following skills: listening (25%), speaking (25%), reading (25%) and writing (25%).  Each paper is available at foundation tier or higher tier. In addition, carefully selected resources help embed key skills such as translation, understanding authentic and literary texts and spontaneous speaking. Year 11 students are also supported by a Grammar and Translation Workbook to help reinforce these skills and to ensure that students always have the tools they need to learn and revise outside of the classroom.

Key Stage 4 French is composed of five themes:

1. Identity and culture
2. Local, area, holiday and travel
3. School
4. Future aspirations, study and work
5. International and global dimension

KEY STAGE 5

Edexcel A Level French consists of two externally examined papers assessing listening, reading and writing and a speaking assessment. Papers 1 and 3 are based on content from the following four themes:

1. Les changements dans la société française
2. La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones
3. L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française
4. L’Occupation et la Résistance

As a result, students will enhance their linguistic skills and develop their capacity for critical thinking on the basis of their knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and society of the country or countries where the language is spoken. In addition, they will develop their language learning skills and strategies, including communication strategies to sustain communication and build fluency and confidence.         

Please see links below for the Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Intent and easy read curriculum map, which explains what your child is learning and when throughout the year.