Staff

Head of MFL: Mr R Starkie

Teacher: Mrs V Lopez

Teacher: Mrs M Dahmani

Introduction

Languages are exciting! Being able to understand and communicate with other people is one of the special qualities that make us human. Our world is crying out for people who have the skills needed to understand others as well as the ability to make themselves understood. Language skills will take you far: Health, Engineering, Retail, The Civil Service, Business and Finance are all industries where they need people with language qualifications.

Intent

Pupils in MFL follow a curriculum which develops curiosity, appreciation of others and cultural awareness and sensitivity in order to allow them to become global citizens. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and aspirational: the vast majority of pupils cover one language in depth for five years, giving greater opportunity to understand and appreciate a language and culture.

A wide variety of engaging activities such as songs, games and role-plays enable pupils of all abilities to be successful language learners. We want to open doors for our pupils as they progress through education and towards the world of work, removing any possible barriers to their learning.

Our teaching is inspirational and helps pupils to develop the crucial skills needed to succeed in language learning. We believe that these skills will also help them in life to become productive and confident global citizens through engaging lessons and a vibrant learning environment.

Our spiral curriculum builds on the knowledge pupils already have through their home environment and primary languages.

We develop character virtues in our curriculum such as independence, tolerance and sensitivity. We foster a sense of appreciation of how other people are different from ourselves through language learning.

We offer cultural capital opportunities through an increased knowledge and awareness of different countries and cultures and a broad enrichment programme including the opportunity to visit other countries.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Year 7  

Pupils study either French or Spanish

Topics covered:

Introducing yourself

School

Free time – sports, hobbies & technology

Family and friends

My town

Year 8 

Pupils study either French or Spanish

French Topics covered:

Holidays and Festivals

Celebrations and special food

Spare time activities

Home life

Discovering a new area

Spanish Topics covered:

Holidays

Media and Technology

Food and Drink

Going out

Plans for the summer

Year 9 

All pupils study French

Topics covered:

Clothes

Celebrations and Festivals

Future Plans

Earning Money

The Environment

Discovering the French Speaking World

Music from French speaking countries

Key Stage 4

In Year 10 we follow the AQA GCSE course in French, Spanish and Urdu. We cover 2 of the 3 themes in Year 10.

Theme 1: Identity and Culture

• Me, my family and friends: Relationships, Marriage

• Social Media: Mobile technology, Technology in everyday life

• Free time activities: TV, Films, Music, Food, Fitness

• Customs and festivals: Festivals and special days in France, Celebrations around the world

Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest.

• Home Town, neighbourhood and region: Helping at home, describing your home, Your ideal home, Describing your region

• Social and Global Issues: Charities, Voluntary work, Healthy eating, Old and new health habits.

• Holidays Travel and Tourism: Holiday preferences, Holiday activities, Holidays in France, Describing your holiday destination and accommodation

Year 11

In year 11 we follow the AQA GCSE course in French and Urdu

Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment

• School subjects and opinions

• The school day

• French speaking schools around the world

• Comparing UK and French schools

• Improving your school

• Remembering primary school

• College, University, Apprenticeships

• Planning your future

• Further education in France

• Jobs and how to apply for them

Exam Board

AQA 

Home Learning

Homework is set regularly in both Key Stages to build on pupils’ learning in the classroom. This may take the form of grammar practice, extended writing or vocabulary learning. In KS3 and KS4 we use ActiveLearn software to provide further support and allow pupils the chance to take on some independent learning. Pupils in years 7-11 are provided with a pre-printed vocabulary book with all the words that need to be learned throughout the year. They are regularly tested on these words.

Useful Links

French

At GCSE French, you can’t get far without knowing a lot of words! So try to practise whenever you get the chance. To help you, you’ll find a copy of the Core Vocabulary list here.

• BBC Bitesize archive
• BBC Bitesize interactive
• https://quizlet.com/Mr_Starkie : Pupils need to register with a school email address and password when they first go on.
• https://www.pearsonactivelearn.com/app/Home : Pupils must ask their teacher for their username and password