MFL Curriculum Intent

“We encourage pupils to communicate in the language from day one by using many practical interactive activities to enable them to have real conversations with their peers.”

Departmental Aims

Knowledge of foreign languages has never been more important to students than it is today; both in the work place and as future citizens of the world, they need to be prepared to compete for the best possible opportunities available. Our aim is to ensure that pupils achieve this. The Government has recognised this academic importance and also the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) requires students to have a good level in a language.

Key Stage 3 French or Spanish

Students learn through a wide range of activities based around the four skills of Reading, Speaking, Writing and Listening. In our department pupils are encouraged to be out of their seats and communicating, whatever their level, in the foreign language. We bring the culture alive through the use of ICT and our own experiences. Pupils are taught via the latest resources and technology.

Key Stage 4 GCSE French or Spanish

Our students continue on their language journey by studying AQA GCSE French or Spanish. Lessons will continue to be interactive with lots of opportunities to speak in the foreign language and also learning through reading & disecting texts, translation, listening and writing practice.

Our highly-motivated GCSE students have to be independent, brave, flexible and hard-working. You will study a range of interesting topics; some new, some you will be building upon from previous knowledge. The culture of French and Spanish speaking countries will be a big part of the topics and will include experiences in music, celebrity culture, food and festivals.

Beyond the Classroom: Enriching Language Learning

Our MFL provision extends far beyond the walls of the classroom, offering pupils a vibrant and immersive experience that celebrates language, culture, and community.

• Primary Partnerships We maintain strong links with local primary schools and teach Year 6 pupils weekly at a nearby feeder school, helping to build early enthusiasm for language learning.
• European Languages Day Pupils take part in whole-school MFL celebrations such as European Languages Day, where we showcase the talents of our EAL students and promote a shared love of laguages across the school.
• Mandarin Club Our popular after-school Mandarin club runs weekly, giving pupils the chance to explore a new language and culture in a fun and relaxed setting.
• French Exchange Links We are proud to have an ongoing partnership with a school in Montpellier, France. Now in our second year of correspondence, pupils exchange letters with their French peers and we hope to deepen these international connections in the future.
• Language Ambassadors Programme Each year, we recruit a team of passionate Year 10 Language Ambassadors. These enthusiastic linguists support MFL events and help promote languages throughout the school.
• Linguastars Recognition Every week, outstanding pupils are nominated as 'Linguastars' and celebrated with certificates and a place on our prestigious MFL Achievement Board!
• SCITT Collaboration Our close ties with the SCITT programme allow us to work with foreign trainee teachers annually, enriching our department with fresh prospectives and authentic language input.
• Motivational Assemblies KS3 & KS4 pupils enjoy insipiring talks from visitors such as Futbol Lingo, linking language learning to careers in sport.