Modern Foreign Languages

FACULTY OVERVIEW

Languages are of fundamental importance in exposing students to other cultures and different ways of living. The curriculum is structured with the ultimate aim of mastery. We teach grammar, vocabulary and phonics through a ‘spiral’ curriculum as we return to key elements repeatedly with increasing levels of complexity, supplemented with contextual information about the countries in which the languages are spoken. Throughout Key Stage 3, students are encouraged to develop an interest in and an understanding of the many facets of learning a language and the way in which these facets interact: grammatical accuracy, clear communication and cultural awareness. GCSE-level study consolidates the grammatical and cultural building blocks that we embed throughout Years 7-9. During Years 10 and 11, students develop their confidence in communicating through a broadening of vocabulary and grammatical expertise as well as increasing their skills in spontaneous language across a range of contexts. 

Every lesson follows a ‘Big Idea’, which anchors the lesson to one of our five core principles of language-learning: 

Phonics – we need to be understood ​ 

Tenses – we don’t just live in the now​ 

Literacy - engage with the written word​ 

Oracy – communicate with confidence​ 

Cultural awareness – the world is bigger than just Spain/France/Germany 

KEY STAGE 3 OVERVIEW

At Key Stage 3, we move from introductory and conversational language to more complex structures which lay the foundation for GCSE. At the core of every lesson is a rigorous emphasis on learning vocabulary, phonics and grammatical structures.  

A brief overview of Topics covered for each year group is below. For an in-depth look at our curriculum, please refer to our curriculum map (link to whole-school curriculum map) 

Key Stage 3 Homework

Students are given online consolidation homework each week via a language-learning platform called Languagenut. This will include revision and practice of key vocabulary, phonics and grammar, as well as comprehension quizzes. 

KEY STAGE 4 OVERVIEW

 At Key Stage 4, students begin to use their knowledge from Key Stage 3 to express themselves more fluently on more diverse subjects and to understand faster and more difficult French (both written and spoken). We do not, however, move away from our emphasis on vocabulary, phonics and grammar. We embed examination skills throughout the curriculum so that students feel confident about how to approach all aspects of the GCSE examinations. 

A brief overview of Topics covered for each year group is below. For an in-depth look at our curriculum, please refer to our curriculum map (link to whole-school curriculum map) 

Key Stage 4 Homework 

Students are given a mixture of two type of homework:  
Once per week: revision of key vocabulary, phonics and grammar, as well as comprehension quizzes via our language-learning platform, Languagenut.  

Once per fortnight: exam-style question(s). This could include Listening/Reading comprehension questions, Speaking exam preparation or Writing exam questions.  

HOW IS THIS SUBJECT ASSESSED?

Assessment at Key Stage 3

Students will be informally assessed at two points during each half-term. These ‘deep-mark’ tasks give us a good indication of where students are at particular points in the curriculum, and informs us of any gaps in their learning that need to be addressed. These assessments could include a dictation, translation, writing, comprehension or speaking. In-depth feedback is given in the form of Hatcham Improvement Time in the following lesson. 

Students are formally assessed at three points in the year (at the end of each full term). The marks of these assessments are included in their school report for the term, alongside their commitment to learning (C2L) grade. In-depth feedback is given during Hatcham Improvement Time once all papers are marked and moderated.  

Assessment at Key Stage 4

Students will be informally assessed once per fortnight. These ‘deep mark’ tasks could assess grammatical understanding, vocabulary retention, knowledge of phonics, productive skills (writing/speaking/translation into foreign language) or comprehension of content and concepts covered (listening/reading/translation from foreign language). In-depth feedback is given in the form of Hatcham Improvement Time in the following lesson. 

In Year 10, students are formally assessed at the end of each full term. Their End of Year assessments will be a full set of mock exams and will include a Speaking exam, Writing exam, Listening exam and Reading exam.  Moderation takes place following the mock exams The marks of these assessments are included in their school report for the term, alongside their commitment to learning (C2L) grade. In-depth feedback is given during Hatcham Improvement Time once all papers are marked and moderated.  

In Year 11, students are formally assessed in the form of full sets of mock exams. The assessment points are mid-way through Term 1 (end of October/beginning of November) and mid-way through Term 2 (end of February, beginning of March). As per their first set of mock exams at the end of Year 10, students will be assessed in all 4 skills. 

How does the subject challenge more able pupils?

Every task in every lesson contains scope for extension. More able students are given work with additional layers of complexity to complete if they finish a task. More broadly, more able pupils are encouraged to explore more complex areas of our language-learning platform, Languagenut, and will be given further recommendations for films and books in the target language that will support their learning at home.  

What provision is made for pupils with SEND?

Quality first teaching in all of our lessons places an emphasis on high-quality inclusive teaching that utilises a range of strategies to support the learning of students with SEND in the classroom. Vocabulary is introduced using a step-by-step approach with visuals to assist comprehension. Knowledge organisers with core vocabulary and grammatical knowledge is a permanent support for all students. Scaffolded tasks may be used and could include sentence builders to assist students with forming sentences using the correct word order or slightly adapted comprehension tasks. We deploy Learning Support Assistants effectively to sit with individual students and work through tasks.   

Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities

Latin is our exciting offer as a Period 7 second language for the most able. The MFL Faculty take part in European Day of Languages, Community Celebration days and other important calendar events. Students will enjoy a trip to Barcelona in October 2024, with more school trip options currently being put together. 

Useful websites

https://www.languagenut.com/en-gb/

https://www.memrise.com/

https://www.languagesonline.org.uk/Hotpotatoes/index.html

https://www.duolingo.com/