Modern Languages

Aims

In the MFL department we aim at all times towards the following:

  • To develop the ability to use French and Spanish effectively for the uses of practical communication.
  • To form a sound base of the skill, language and attitudes required for further work, study and leisure.
  • To offer insights into the culture and civilisation of French and Spanish speaking countries.
  • To develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning.
  • To encourage positive attitudes to foreign languages learning and to speakers of foreign languages and offer a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations.
  • To promote learning skills of a more general nature
  • To develop in students the transferability of language between contexts
  • To provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.

Key Stage 3

French and Spanish

This is based on the National Curriculum/KS3 Framework for MFL. During KS3, students begin to understand, speak, read and write one foreign language. In year 9 the students have the option of starting another foreign language. They become familiar with the sounds, written form and grammar of the language and use this knowledge with increasing confidence and competence to express themselves in role plays, conversations and writing. They improve their understanding of the language by listening to people talk about different subjects and by reading a range of texts. They also increase their cultural awareness by speaking with people who speak the language.

Key Stage 4

Students can follow a GCSE course in one or both foreign languages. Students follow the Edexcel syllabus with the written coursework option. Students reinforce the skills learned at KS3, drawing on a firmer grasp of grammar and a wider and more complex range of expressions. They learn to understand a more extensive range of unfamiliar language by reading and listening to a variety of materials.

Key Stage 5

Students follow the EDEXCEL syllabus for ‘AS’ and ‘A2’ level courses. Students are assessed in the four skills. The emphasis is placed on instilling a deeper understanding of the countries where the language is spoken by studying in depth current issues (social, economical, political and cultural) while drawing on a firmer grasp of grammar and a wider and more complex range of expression and writing styles. Wide range of authentic resources is used. On completion of this course, students are expected to be able to communicate fluently in the foreign language.

 
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