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Modern Foreign Languages

Intent:

Our vision in the MFL department is that all language learners develop the skills and confidence to consider themselves as ‘global citizens’ who belong in a multicultural, mutually respectful world. We aim to support students to understand other countries and cultures so that they can be more open to new experiences. The MFL department has high expectations for all students and the climate for learning encompasses the contributions from students of all abilities. Competency in a foreign language unlocks the technological, enterprise and vocational abilities which enhance the employability skills of our students. Learning a language changes lives and opens doors that would be shut without the experience.  It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature or watch films in the original language.  We want our students to become confident, independent and enthusiastic young people who leave the school well prepared for the international world in which we live.

Aims:

The national curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all pupils:

  •  understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources
  •  speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation
  • can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt
  • discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.
  • understand and appreciate the cultural differences and similarities in the countries of the language studied.

Implementation:

  • The importance of speaking – students are learning to communicate in a different language and this initially begins with a clear focus on phonics.  The embedding of phonetic patterns allows students to pronounce words accurately and more confidently but also supports the later development of the written word.  Furthermore, students become familiar with key phrases in the target language and are able to speak spontaneously with each other and their teacher.

 

  • Scaffolding language- Students need to be aware of the strong links between grammatical structures and understand that well-formed structural and linguistic content is at the heart of being a good linguist and communicator.  Grammar is therefore, an inextricable part of lessons at KS3 and KS4 and has been sequenced carefully so that students continuously build on prior learning and develop a profound appreciation of the importance of having excellent grammar in order to communicate effectively in the foreign language.
     
  • Assessment -Learning key vocabulary is an essential part of learning a language and vital for success.  All students at KS3 and KS4 are expected to complete weekly vocabulary tests.  These tests allow for the learning of new vocabulary but also ensure that students review previous learning.  Students will be expected to complete an assessment in reading and listening each term in addition to either a written or spoken exam.
  • Each year students study reading, writing, listening and speaking in French, through a sequence of topics:

French
Spanish
German
Year 7

Basics and Greetings

Year 7 Basics and Greetings  

Myself and My Family

Myself and My Family  

Sports and Hobbies

Sports and Hobbies  
         
Year 8

Relationships

Year 8 Relationships Year 8

Stadt und Land

School

School Urlaube

Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy Lifestyle Essen, Einkaufen und Geld
         
Year 9

Town and Neighbourhood

  Year 9

Essen , Einkaufen und Geld

Holidays

 

Nach der Schule

Festivals

 

Fit Sein ist wichtig

   

Wo ich wohne

         
Year 10 Self, family and friends   Year 10 & 11 School
Leisure   Free time and sports
School life   Family
World of work   Healthy living
Holidays   Holidays
      World of work
Year 11 Holidays   Town and area; environment and good causes
Global issues      
Town and Region