Modern Foreign Languages
Why are Modern Foreign Languages important?
Learning a modern foreign language is important because it enables pupils to make connections with different people and their cultures. The world is increasingly interconnected and proficiency in languages is seen as a highly desired skill by employers.
The Modern Foreign Languages classrooms are fully equipped with computers, mini-whiteboards, bilingual dictionaries and colourful displays. All of these features contribute to high levels of learning. Within French and Spanish lessons, we use a wide range of authentic resources such as film, music and newspaper articles to ensure that we bring the language to life for our students. As a department we are always looking to improve our teaching to ensure that students love learning languages. In order to keep our lessons fresh we regularly observe each other, share resources and good practise and also draw links to the present day in a variety of French or Spanish speaking countries.
The courses we offer are flexible and relevant and offer exciting materials which aim to cater for all students by developing their four key skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking.
Teachers
Mrs J N Alban Gonzalez
Mr A Byrne
Ms J Carrillo Figueroa
Miss F Guccio
Ms N Muheim
Ms Silva- Head of Department
Miss V Hernandez Villegas - MFL Assistant
Curriculum Maps
KS3
Key Skills Required
In French and Spanish the key skills required are the ability to identify new key words in short texts, to analyse short phrases and to identify the main points in short written passages and read a simple book with help.
Topics Covered
Year 7
Number of lessons per week: 2
Spanish:
Term 1 Talking about yourself, describing yourself and your free time.
Term 2 Your school, your family and friends.
Term 3 Your local area.
French:
Term 1 Talking about yourself and others and school.
Term 2 Your free time and your local area.
Term 3 Holidays.
Year 8
Number of lessons per week: 2
Spanish:
Term 1 Talking about past holidays, hobbies and free time.
Term 2 Food, celebrations, going out and events.
Term 3 Holidays.
French:
Term 1 Talking about your hobbies, visiting Paris.
Term 2 Your identity, your local area, home and food.
Term 3 Talents and ambitions.
Year 9
Number of lessons per week: 2
Spanish:
Term 1 Talking about hobbies, free time and future job aspirations.
Term 2 Healthy life styles and routines, global issues, children's rights and fair trade.
Term 3 Future holidays plans.
French:
Term 1 Social life, health and fitness.
Term 2 Future job aspirations, languages and holidays.
Term 3 Global issues, children's rights and fair trade.
Homework
Pupils are set homework once a week.
One reading comprehension task or one extended writing task.
ActiveLearn online homework in listening, reading, vocabulary and grammar.
Homework booklets are given out.
Assessment Details
Pupils are assessed regularly. Diagnostic monitoring will take place twice per half term. Pupils will complete a summative assessment every half term.
Revision Support
- larousse.fr (French dictionary online)
- www.spanishdict.com
- www.wordreference.org
- www.languagesonline.org
Key Tips for Success
- Pupils should learn at least 10 new words every week.
- Pupils should always ask for help in areas that they are unsure of; they must ask for help with their homework in advance of the deadline.
- Make sure that all work is presented neatly and always written in full and detailed sentences.
- Pupils should have a bilingual dictionary and must not use Google translate.
How can a parent help their child succeed in this course?
- Supervise your child’s homework.
- Encourage pupils to practise writing new key words.
- Ensure pupils use the resources they are given to help complete homework
KS4
Course outline
All papers are equally weighted.
- Paper 1: Listening and understanding (time 45 minutes, 50 marks) All papers equally weighted
- Paper 2: Speaking in Spanish/French (10-12 minutes plus 12 minutes preparation time, 70 marks)
- Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Spanish/ French (1 hour, 50 marks)
- Paper 4: Writing in Spanish/French (1 hour 20 minutes, 60 marks)
What type of student succeeds at French/Spanish GCSE?
Successful MFL students have a broad range of skills. They express their thoughts fluently and have an interest in the culture and identity of the countries and communities where Spanish/French is spoken. They also have a good knowledge of how language works.
Complementary subjects
Languages are well paired with the Arts and with Sciences.
Homework
Students receive homework once per week. This homework may vary from learning vocabulary to independent research. It is important to revise grammar constantly and to work independently on the various websites used at GCSE level. There will be translation exercises as well as extended written pieces. At times homework may be to watch a clip of a video or to write a short film review.
Future Directions
Do I need to study French/Spanish at GCSE to study A Level French/Spanish?
It is advisable to complete a language at GCSE level prior to embarking on an A Level language course. Most students will need at least a level 6 at GCSE to progress to A Level French/Spanish
Which university courses require a MFL A Level?
Although many degrees do not specify that you need a language it is always an advantage to have a MFL whether you are studying for a B.A. or for a B.Sc.
Which university courses look favourably on an MFL Level?
An MFL A Level is favourable for any degree which requires essay writing.
What are the entry requirements to study Languages at university?
French/Spanish degrees usually require an A/ A* in the first language and a B in the second language.
I am enjoying studying languages. I am particularly enjoying the book I have been given as extra reading material. I also enjoy learning about the culture of Spanish speaking countries and the fact that all lessons are conducted in Spanish. I am hoping to continue with Spanish at university. Student
KS5
A Level
Course outline
A Level MFL (French/Spanish) – Skills examined: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Translation. Intouchables/Volver are the films studied.
What type of student succeeds at French/Spanish A Level?
Languages are quite demanding at A Level, however, they are also very rewarding. Students who study languages have the opportunity to learn about the culture of the country whose language they are studying. At A Level, students also need to be able to research independently authors and film directors from the target language country.
Subject requirements at GCSE
A minimum of a Grade 6 at GCSE in French /Spanish plus a grade 6 in English Language is required in order to study French/Spanish at A Level. In addition, all students must sit an entrance exam based on holiday homework. The course requires an excellent understanding of grammatical concepts following on from those needed to attain a Grade 8 and 9 at GCSE.
Complementary subjects
Languages are well paired with the Arts and with Sciences.
Homework
Students receive homework every time that they have an MFL lesson. This homework may vary from learning vocabulary to independent research. It is important to constantly revise grammar constantly and to work independently on the various websites used at A Level.
Future Directions
Which university courses require a MFL A Level?
Although many degrees do not specify that you need a language it is always an advantage to have a MFL whether you are studying for a BA or for a BSc.
Which university courses look favourably on an MFL Level?
An MFL A Level is favourable for any degree which requires essay writing.
What are the entry requirements to study Languages at university?
French/Spanish degrees usually require an A/A* in the first language and a B in the second language.
Which careers could a language degree lead to?
Teaching, Interpreting, Translating, or Law.
I am enjoying studying languages at A Level. It is a big step from GCSE, however, I feel that I am coping well. I am particularly enjoying the book I have been given as extra reading material. I also enjoy learning about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries and the fact that all lessons are conducted in Spanish. I am hoping to continue with Spanish at university. Student