Teaching Staff

• J Stephenson (Director of Learning)
• P Grand

MFL Curriculum Intent

Learning a foreign language gives students a wide range of skills which can be used in a variety of contexts. Learning is themed around real world topics and issues which gradually introduces increasingly complex levels of language to stretch and challenge students.

By studying French/Spanish, students

• Are provided with opportunities to become resilient and independent learners;
• Develop a strong awareness of the culture of French or Spanish-speaking countries and benefit from opportunities to experience aspects of the culture through the regular use of authentic materials;
• Learn how to communicate in another language using the four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
• Are encouraged to be inquisitive linguists, developing an understanding of etymology, grammar and how languages are interlinked;
• Students are able to achieve and be successful in lessons. We celebrate the achievements of our linguists because learning a language is a great achievement.

Department Information

The MFL department aim to create and develop enthusiastic and independent learners. We are committed to establishing a learning environment that encourages students to feel confident about taking risks and developing informed opinions about the world around them. Our curriculum focuses on acquiring the skills needed to understand and use another language in real-life situations; we want students to reflect on and enhance their skills, ask questions and enjoy challenge, thereby making progress.

We have established pen pal links with schools in France, Spain and Mexico and students across the year groups regularly exchang letters with a French or Spanish-speaking student.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Students study either French or Spanish and will continue with that language throughout Key Stage 3. Basic knowledge in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills is acquired in Year 7 so students are able to understand and use language to talk about themselves, their families, where they live, what they like to do in their free time. There is an emphasis on active listening and speaking skills and a range of resources including authentic materials are used.

Year 8

Students in year 8 build on prior knowledge from year 7 in order to develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing incorporating more complex language and they will learn how to use different tenses.

There are five main areas of study: Leisure Activities, Fashion, Holidays, Town and Future Plans. We use a variety of source materials in French and Spanish to support the learning throughout the year.

Year 9

Students in Year 9 build on and extend their knowledge from the previous two years of language learning. They will be able to use the past, present and future tenses in their work. They will also be able to take part in conversations and write longer pieces of French or Spanish about the environment, health, films and TV, the world of work and the French/Spanish-speaking world. 

Learning Journeys

French

 Spanish