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Modern Foreign Languages
BackCurriculum Intent
The MFL department, as stakeholders, has input into the design of the curriculum and shares its vision and rationale.
The intent of the MFL Department is to foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Our aim is to enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both aurally and in writing. We also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes and learn new ways of thinking. We aim to instil the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.
Our curriculum aligns with the whole school intent, particularly in preparing students as future citizens. The curriculum includes global issues, for example, social issues affecting young people, and environmental concerns. It also offers the opportunity to explore different cultures and learn about other countries.
Our aim is to ensure that all students achieve their full potential.
PROGRAMME OF STUDY OVERVIEW
Curriculum Implementation
We support student achievement in various ways; resources are adapted to support pupils with additional needs and we provide extensions to ensure pupils are stretched and challenged. We are constantly updating our resources and content to ensure it is relevant and meaningful. We also run regular revision sessions.
We revisit prior knowledge in starter activities, in written and speaking activities, homework and revision lessons. Students are encouraged to memorise key knowledge through the use of games in class, online games and vocabulary tests.
We aim to extend cultural capital by ensuring students are exposed to real-life scenarios in order to enhance their experience and understanding of the target language. We also use a range of literature and media in the target language to inspire creativity in its use.
Curriculum impact
Regular formative and summative assessment allows close monitoring and tracking of student performance. Through this, and with engaging lessons, we look forward to increased uptake of MFL at GCSE as well as improved results. Our curriculum offer is continually evolving and will continue to do so as we continue in our endeavour to improve.
Spanish Learning Journey
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus specification:
French (8658), Spanish (5698)
A GCSE in a Modern Language says a lot about you!
- As well as giving you an academic and nationally-recognised challenging GCSE, you will possess the skills and cultural awareness and knowledge needed in our current increasingly global market.
- You will be more employable both internationally and in touristic Kent. Having a GCSE in a Modern Language will add value to your CV, will make you very competitive against other candidates for job interviews and will most likely increase your salary when employed. Remember that most people speak English in Europe, but as their SECOND language, so you need to be at the same level as them to get the best chances in life!
- Being competent in another language will open doors for you with jobs and careers that you would not have considered or expected before.
French is the most used language in the European Union after English. Many businesses in Kent use it in France, Belgium, Switzerland and French-speaking Africa.
Spanish is one of the most phonetic languages, as you do spell the language as you say it. Spanish is not only spoken in Europe, it is also the second biggest language in America, with the south of America speaking Spanish (apart from Brazil).
The course:
We follow the AQA linear course, which means that there are 4 final examinations at the end of y11, each one counting evenly towards the final grade (listening, reading, speaking and writing- each 25%). The course aims to reinforce the knowledge that you will have started to build in year 9 and to apply new skills, in order to prepare you thoroughly for year 11 examinations. Topics closely follow KS3 and are revisited with more depth under 3 main themes at KS4:
- Identity and culture
- Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Current and future study and employment
Progression:
Both languages are offered at A-Level. A variety of University courses as well as Vocational Apprenticeships are available after GCSEs, either combined with other subjects, or actually as a partnership programme abroad.
In order to maximise students’ progress and high grades at GCSE, there is an entry requirement of level 5b for the Year 9 tracking 2, although this is flexible according to each students previous linguistic experience and current motivation.
For more information, please contact Mrs. L. Lister - Head of Modern Foreign Languages - llister@archbishops.kent.sch.uk
