Head of MFL: Mrs Appleyard
"Learning Languages opens up so many exciting opportunities for young people. Our enthusiastic department ensures every pupil is able to communicate in another language, just in case the opportunity arises! Languages are set to become more and more crucial as the years go on and acquiring these skills could become one of your most important assets. The opportunities for working internationally and traveling abroad will be at your fingertips."
Departmental Aims
Our department work closely together to ensure learning a new language is a stimulating, relevant experience. Every teacher with the MFL has spent a period of time living in a French or Spanish speaking country and this means that we are passionate about languages.
We aim to:
- Teach students about the cultural aspects, festivals and lifestyle of French or Spanish speaking countries
- Teach students phrases that can be used in real-life situations
- Instil a love of language learning
- Explain foreign grammatical concepts in a way that will enhance their understanding of the English language
- Provide opportunities for pupils to liaise with native speakers through the written and spoken word
Knowledge Organisers
Select the 'Knowledge Organiser' you need from the menu below.
Knowledge Organisers ~ Year 7
Knowledge Organisers ~ Year 8
Knowledge Organisers ~ Year 9
Knowledge Organisers ~ Road Maps
Knowledge Organisers ~ GCSE
We are aware that our students may have studied a Modern Foreign Language at primary school. To ensure students make progress, we bypass the ‘basics’ that are often covered and follow a programme that will promote sentence learning.
In Year 7, pupils begin their journey studying the following areas:
- Myself & others
- Free time (sports & activities)
- Town
In Year 8, we build upon the grammatical skills and tenses learned in Year 7 and cover new topics like:
- Holidays
- Free time (technology & arranging to go out)
- Summer camps
- Talent Shows
At the end of Year 8 your child will be placed into a pathway for their Options Choices. Those on the Language Pathway will continue with the language they have studied up to GCSE and those on the General Pathway will have the option of choosing to continue with this.
In Year 9, we build our sentences with further detail and a range of grammar. As well as building on current vocabulary, we look at new topics ready for GCSE such as:
- Social life
- Healthy living
- Careers
- Adventures
In Year 10 we begin the GCSE course.
Pupils are trained in the skills needed for all 4 components of the GCSE examinations:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Pupils will be expected to complete weekly homework of both vocabulary learning and set tasks. Rather than using textbooks, we use an online learning platform which also enables pupils to undertake revision and consolidation tasks.
Foundation tier students are capped at a grade 5, whereas Higher tier students can achieve grades between 4-9. One lesson a week will focus on the skills needed for the Speaking examination which entails:
- a photocard description
- a roleplay
- 2 general conversation topics
Pupils will get the opportunity to sit a full mock examination in all 4 skills, just like they will in Year 11.
Language Students
Remote Learning
Les Catacombes de Paris
The Catacombs
Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs
By Year 11, most of the topics have been covered and the remainder of the time is used for consolidation, revision and skills based learning.
Pupils will have 2 further opportunities to sit mock examinations and this will inform their tier of entry.
In Year 11 there is a more concentrated focus on the writing and grammar skills needed for the higher marks.
In Year 7, students will study either French or Spanish, depending on the class that they are in. Students then follow this language up to the end of Y8 or GCSE if they are on the Language Pathway. If there is a particular reason that you want your child to study either French or Spanish, you should - where possible - make Mrs Appleyard aware before your child starts school.
If you ever visit a French or Spanish speaking country, the MFL team are always be grateful for any leaflets or maps you may be able to pick up!
Events Calendar
THE GREAT
LANGUAGE CHALLENGE
Can you complete all the mini tasks to achieve Language Greatness?
Take a snap of yourself or write a short piece to prove you have and send it to your class teacher.
Each mini task completed will earn you positive points on Class Charts.
Once you have ticked off all the tasks, send the Challenge sheet to your class teacher for your reward!
Bonne Chance & Buena Suerte
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