Without a language we cannot communicate. If we cannot communicate, we cannot partake in the things we take for granted – socialising, engaging in the world of work and taking part in our wider cultures. It is our intention in MFL that we give our students this ability to communicate and the skills they need to take part in the wider world, for work and leisure, once they leave school. For this they will learn the essential language and linguistic skills needed to foster an enthusiasm for both the language they’re studying and any others they may learn in the future. It is vital for us too to ensure no child is left behind when being exposed to other cultures and norms, and where possible, we aim to fill any gaps due to socioeconomic differences.
In Key Stage 3 we follow the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages.
In Year 7, students start the course by learning the basics of French, which includes introducing themselves and saying a little bit about where they live and what they have in their school bag. This unit is also designed for students to grasp the basics such as numbers, colours and pronunciation. Student will then learn to talk about school, their teachers and their favourite subjects using opinion phrases.
By Spring, students will be learning to talk about family members, personalities and physical descriptions. Students will be able to describe their homes and their daily routines.
By Summer, students will be learning to describe their hobbies and free time and will begin to recognise the future tense. Students will be able to describe their town and local area. They will also focus on describing the weather.
In Year 8, students will start the year by learning about free time activities and being able to arrange to go out and make plans. Students will learn to describe their holidays and recent travels.
In Spring, students will experience their first unit done in the past tense and so pupils will be developing this skill. Students will learn about different types of food and how to order food and drinks when out and about.
By Summer, students will learn about clothing and fashion. Students will be able to express opinions on school uniform as well as describing which shops they go to. Students will also be learning about health, including body parts and how to tell a doctor what is wrong. They will also be able to evaluate lifestyle choices.
In Year 9, we begin to add depth to the topics already covered and begin to lay the foundations for being successful at GCSE. Themes such as being a good citizen, the environment, holidays and the world of work form the basis for our content of study.
Within this, you will continue to develop your use of spontaneous language and embed it creatively in your work. You will also continue to focus on the use of different time frames in your work and use them effectively to narrate, convince and inform.
Course Introduction:In our increasingly competitive global marketplace, the demand for language skills is increasing, and employers are recognising the value of multi-lingual employees who have the skills and flexibility to operate in international environments. A foreign language, can give access to a much wider range of jobs in the UK and overseas. In addition to this, a GCSE in a language is increasingly becoming an entry requirement for top UK universities.
Course Outline: This course will deliver a GCSE in three years. Pupils will study authentic literature, and learn the valuable skill of translation both in to and out of the language. At GCSE, pupils will continue to develop upon skills and vocabulary taught during KS3.
| Module | Elements | Assessment | Date | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: Listening and understanding | A number of passages or interactions in the language with a variety of question types. The spoken material heard will include both formal (e.g. telephone message) and informal speech (e.g. social interaction). | One final exam | June of Year 11 | 25 |
| Unit 2: Speaking | Students must demonstrate the ability to use the language for different purposes and in different settings. There will be one final exam which will require them to take part in role plays and speak spontaneously. | One final exam | April of Year 11 | 25 |
| Unit 3: Reading and understanding | Students complete exam tasks that consist of a number of short texts, notices or news reports in the language, which include a range of settings and styles, both formal and informal. | One final exam | June of Year 11 | 25 |
| Unit 4: Writing | The final written exam will require students to write an extended piece in the language, alongside translation both in to and out of the target language. | One final exam | June of Year 11 | 25 |
Course Expectations: Pupils will be expected to use the language creatively and independently and they will be expected to use the language spontaneously to discuss their ideas (both verbally and in writing), and to revise for all four final exams.