Modern Foreign Languages

Students will build on their exposure to languages at KS2 by recognising sounds and patterns in languages, learning to structure and adapt language and developing an understanding of the culture of the language they are learning.  They will appreciate the importance of the knowledge of a foreign language in the world of work and will have opportunities to learn how their linguistic skills can be useful in their future lives.

Key Stage 3

The languages curriculum at KS3 is ambitious, providing pupils with a solid grounding in the 3 pillars of language learning: vocabulary, grammar and phonics. The range of topics which are coherently sequenced throughout KS3 will allow pupils to understand and use a foreign language to describe their lives and interests. Pupils will develop proficiency in speaking, reading, listening and writing in either French or German. Through a rich and diverse range of topics, the languages curriculum promotes understanding and appreciation of other cultures and lifestyles in the French and German speaking world. The department aims for all pupils to recognize the importance of learning a foreign language in an increasingly global world. Teaching strives to foster an enjoyment of language learning and encourages pupils to take pride in linguistic achievement.

Key Stage 4

At KS4, pupils build on the knowledge and skills that they have acquired at KS3 to deepen their understanding and proficiency in all 4 skills. Using the knowledge gained and KS3 as a starting platform, pupils will develop strategies to tackle more challenging reading and listening tasks where their language skills will require them to infer meaning from, and avoid distractors in, a range of texts. By following an ambitious and well structured curriculum at GCSE, pupils will also develop the ability to independently produce work in a foreign language at a greater depth, through spoken conversation and written prose. As at KS3, the department aims for pupils to take pride in their ability to successfully understand and produce language in French and German. Pupils studying languages at GCSE will have a clear understanding of the importance of language learning in enhancing their future prospects.

All MFL lessons are delivered by subject specialists, who are able to provide a high quality of education by modelling and explaining key concepts, while addressing common misconceptions. Vocabulary and grammar retrieval and retention are focus areas for every lesson, with starter activities designed to retrieve prior knowledge. All pupils have knowledge organisers in their books in the form of sentence builders and are encouraged to refer to these regularly in class and for revision. Emphasis is on communication in the target language, with in-class focus on phonics and giving pupils the opportunity to practise speaking. The curriculum is sequenced to ensure regular retrieval of key grammar concepts which can be applied to different topics. Our curriculum implementation is carried out with a view to promoting self-efficacy in language learning.

Pupils are encouraged to engage in extra-curricular enrichment activities to improve their cultural understanding and interest in the countries where French and German are studied. As well as extracurricular visits abroad, pupils have the opportunity to engage in a regular French club, as well as activities put on by the MFL department at key dates in the year, such as European Day of Languages, German Unity Day and Bastille Day.