Modern Foreign Languages

MFL Team
Mr A Fitzpatrick – Curriculum Leader
Mr A Thiery – Assistant Curriculum Leader
Ms E Preston – Teacher of MFL/Curriculum Leader for Additional Educational Needs)
Mr D Frost – Teacher of MFL/Head of Year 11
Ms M García-Macías – Teacher of MFL

Our Vision
Our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum offers students the opportunity to study either Spanish or French, focusing on developing essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The curriculum not only equips students with a strong understanding of grammar and language structure but also fosters an appreciation for the cultures and countries associated with the language. Through this immersive approach, students gain insights into the wider world, enhancing their global awareness and cultural understanding.

In addition to classroom learning, the MFL programme encourages enjoyment and engagement beyond the curriculum. Students have the chance to participate in language clubs, where they can practice their skills in a fun, informal setting. There are also opportunities for enrichment through rewards, cultural trips, and international experiences, all designed to deepen their connection to the language and culture. By the end of Key Stage 3, students will have developed a solid foundation in their chosen language, preparing them for further study at Key Stage 4 and the completion of a GCSE in the language. This holistic approach ensures that students not only acquire the necessary linguistic skills but also enjoy the process, connecting with the broader world and the possibilities that learning a new language offers.

Our Curriculum
Our broad, modern and dynamic curriculum equips students to speak, listen, read and write in French or Spanish about topics which are relevant to them. The overview below gives a taste of what students will cover in the classroom. These topics are interwoven with Cultural Capital topics so that students gain a deep understanding of the cultures of Spanish- and French-speaking nations.

Year 7 Spanish and French
Introductions
School
Free Time
Where I live

Year 8 Spanish and French
Relationships and Routine
Home Town
Holidays 
Future Aspirations

Year 9 Spanish and French
• Free time + hobbies
• School
• Holidays
• Routine and diet
• Health and Giving advice
• world of work and future plans

Key Stage 4 Spanish and French
At GCSE students will study either Spanish or French following the Edexcel Specification. An outline of the course is shown below and full details/support materials can be found on the Edexcel website.
The specification consists of four units, as follows:
Unit 1: Listening and understanding
Unit 2: Speaking
Unit 3: Reading and understanding
Unit 4: Writing
Students will be assessed in each of these skills at the end of Year 11.
The themes covered over the 2 year course are:
My personal world

• Lifestyle and wellbeing
• My neighbourhood
• Media and technology
• Studying and my future
• Travel and tourism
  Throughout the course students develop their understanding of these themes, the new language and develop their grammatical understanding. They also acquire a perspective on life in different countries, enhancing their cultural understanding of the outside world.

Useful websites:
www.duolingo.com
www.languagesonline.org.uk
www.wordreference.com
www.quizlet.com
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zwbhb7h