Curriculum Intent

Students will build on their exposure to French 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.  The curriculum is ambitious and promotes independence and is loaded with cultural capital opportunities. 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.

KS3

There are 3 exciting stands to learning in KS3. These are grammar & skills, themes and cultural and cross-curricular learning.

Through these strands pupils build on the knowledge of key words and phrases introduced in the primary schools.  They approach each theme secure of the basic grammar and skills to adapt the topic language introduced and recognise it in the skills of listening and reading and use it in the skills of speaking and writing. Underpinning all the themes is a commitment to expose pupils to a wealth of cultural information so that they can appreciate the distinct cultures of the countries in which French is spoken.

KS4

The strands of grammar & skills, themes and cultural and cross-curricular learning continue at KS4 with a focus on the core themes set out in the AQA programme of study for GCSE

Students approach each theme and topic area with an increased knowledge of the structure of the language and build on grammar skills acquired at KS3. Preparation for examinations in the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing is integral in the scheme of learning and pupils are given the opportunity every half term to be assessed in these skills.

Curriculum Implementation

All lessons begin with a starter activity which revisits prior learning and gives pupils the opportunity to check their learning.

The course book Dynamo includes an interactive package whereby pupils can engage in tasks at their own level and a pupil book allows them to be independent in their learning.

Vocabulary lists are posted on teams and are available as hard copies for those pupils who need them.  Regular vocabulary checks are included as part of the learning

Each half term pupils explore an area of cultural interest and create a cultural page to display their knowledge.

Literacy is embedded in the MFL curriculum with a focus on etymology.  Teachers explain the roots of words and make connections to tier 2 and 3 vocabulary pupils may have encountered in other subjects.

Numeracy features within the curriculum with the requirement to use weights and measures and time.

Pupils are supported outside the classroom with a number of intervention sessions and extra-curricular sessions.

End of Course Assessment

The examination board used is  AQA   www.aqa.org.uk

The examination is made up of 4 sills as follows:

Listening (25%) terminal examination at foundation or higher tier

Reading (25%) terminal examination at foundation or higher tier

Speaking (25%) terminal assessment led by teacher at foundation or higher tier

Writing (25%) terminal examination at foundation or higher tier

Foundation grades available are 5-1 and higher grades available are 9-4

Career Links

St Thomas More has its very own dedicated careers team.  To find out more about careers at St Thomas More, please click here. 

Tips and Advice

Course book Pearson Dynamo www.pearson.co.uk

On line learning platform www.linguascope.co.uk (ask teacher for log in)

Further Information

This may be links to additional department information, external websites and/or national curriculum links/exam board specification links.

Subject Leader Information

For more information or if you have any questions please use the contact details below.

Mrs K Lloyd klloyd2@stmca.org.uk