Modern Foreign Languages

Our modern language students will be able to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. 

We will also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read texts in the original language. They will develop an appreciation for the languages studied and gain a deeper understanding of the culture of French and Spanish speaking countries.  Students in year 7 will study either French or Spanish based on their House.  They will then continue with either French or Spanish throughout KS3 in order to best prepare them for the challenge of the new GCSEs.  Students are taught in mixed ability groups.

Topics studied in MFL include:

KS3 Spanish – Language and Culture

Our KS3 Spanish lessons combine language learning with cultural exploration, helping students develop their communication skills while discovering the rich traditions and diversity of Spanish speaking countries.

Students learn about a variety of cultural celebrations and traditions from Spain and Latin America, including El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

In Year 7, students study the animated film Coco, exploring the traditions, music and family values associated with this celebration. This engaging approach brings language learning to life, encourages cultural curiosity and helps students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Spanish speaking world.

KS3 French – Language and Culture

Our KS3 French lessons combine language learning with cultural exploration, helping students develop their communication skills while discovering the rich culture, history and traditions of French speaking countries.

As part of their cultural studies, students explore French cinema through the film Les Choristes. Set in a boarding school in post-war France, the film tells the story of a music teacher who inspires his pupils through the power of music and singing.

Through studying the film, students develop their understanding of French language and culture while exploring themes such as friendship, respect, resilience and the importance of education. This engaging experience brings French to life beyond the classroom and encourages students to appreciate French cinema and its cultural significance.

In Key Stage 4, our modern language students can choose to benefit from further language learning and add a European dimension to their choice of GCSE subjects, which is something that many future employers and higher education providers look for. 

Whilst studying a foreign language is not compulsory, there is an expectation that students will continue to study a language until the end of Key Stage 4.  

The new GCSE course offers the opportunity to study some literary texts as well as transactional language in the speaking exam. They will learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, confidence in speaking in public and off the cuff and using problem solving strategies to respond to a range of text types.

The MFL course itself is split into 3 main themes:

• Identity and culture
• Local, national, international and global areas of interest
• Current and future study and employment

The new GCSE is examined at the end of the two year course:

There are four papers, each covering one skill:  Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

All set and marked by AQA with 25% equal weighting for each skill.  There are tiered papers in all four skills, students must sit either Foundation Tier or Higher Tier in all four skills.

The department follows AQA and more information about the course and subject specification can be found at: www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages

Students are taught in a mixed ability setting.

French enrichment  - we offer a trip to Paris in KS4 

Our GCSE French trip to Paris offers students an exciting opportunity to develop their language skills while experiencing the rich culture, history and atmosphere of the French capital.

Students will take part in a two-hour intensive French language course at a language college in central Paris, giving them the chance to develop their confidence and put their classroom learning into practice.

Alongside their language studies, students will explore some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy a range of cultural experiences, including: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur, a boat trip along the River Seine, a visit to the Marché d’Aligre and La Chocolaterie Beussent Lachelle.

 Spanish enrichment  - we offer a trip to Andalucia in KS4 

Our GCSE Spanish trip to Andalucía offers students an exciting opportunity to develop their language skills while experiencing the rich culture, history and traditions of southern Spain.

Students will take part in a one-hour intensive Spanish language lesson, giving them the chance to build their confidence and put their classroom learning into practice.

Alongside their language studies, students will explore the region’s fascinating heritage and vibrant atmosphere, visiting the beautiful cities of Córdoba, Granada and Málaga. Through these visits, students will discover stunning architecture, historic landmarks and the distinctive culture of Andalucía.