Modern Foreign Languages
The MFL department in Christleton offers an exciting and vibrant curriculum in which students are encouraged to learn about and appreciate other cultures while acquiring the new skill of speaking another language.
How do we learn?
We follow a skills-based curriculum which is aspirational for all students, providing challenge for all while fostering resilience and independence in learning. The skills gained in a MFL classroom go beyond learning a new language. We work to develop confidence in communication, presentation skills and analysis which allow great language learning to happen.
Key Stage 3
In Year 7 students learn French, German and Spanish. In the first half term of learning, we have developed the Oracy First approach which is designed to build confidence in spoken language. The focus on Oracy and understanding not only promotes correct pronunciation and confidence but develops grammatical knowledge in an engaging manner. Gesture is used to aid recall and is a proven method of learning and remembering new vocabulary.
Having studied three MFL in Year 7, students make an informed decision at the end of the year as to which MFL they wish to continue to study and we do our best to accommodate students’ preferences. Most students will develop their expertise and knowledge by focusing on one language in Year 8. Some students will be invited to continue with two languages. Grammar and topic coverage in Years 7, 8 and 9 serve as a solid foundation to GCSE study, whilst maintaining its wider world application. We use the MEMRISE app as a home learning tool throughout this stage and use MARKING PRO to deliver verbal feedback on work completed. The LANGUAGES LADDER allows students track their progress on their pathway.
Key Stage 4 and 5
We believe that all students should have the opportunity to reach their potential in at least one Modern Foreign Language at GCSE level, in line with the requirements of the ENGLISH Baccalaureate and government recommendations. The 3-Year AQA Scheme of Learning is in place from Year 9 to Year 11. This Scheme enables us to offer a broad and balanced curriculum over a 3-year timescale to encourage mastery and deeper understanding of the subject (topic) matter (vocabulary). The topics in each language are studied under 3 themes which are: Identity and Culture, Local, National International and Global areas of Interest and Current and Future Study and Employment.
In A Level we continue to follow the AQA exam board. In Spanish currently students study the novel Como Agua Para Chocolate and the film El Laberinto del Fauno. In French students study the novel No et Moi and the film is Amelie. In German students currently study Die Verwandlung and Goodbye Lenin. Students also focus on an independent research project which they will discuss in the final examination in Year 13. In Key Stage 5 we insure our students have individual one-to-one teaching time which focuses on developing speaking confidence and fluency.
Teachers continue to incorporate MARKING PRO in assessment in Key Stage 4 and 5 and importance is attached to students developing independence in how to progress and improve in all skills in MFL. We use trackers in A Level which enable students to monitor their topic assessments and detail how they will improve upon their achievements.
Extra
We are proud of the role our Hot Scholars play in MFL and the extracurricular life of the department is open to all. We run our Distinguished Linguist Reward table every half term to recognise achievement and progress. We enjoy MFL spelling bees, food tasting, MFL competitions and special cultural projects. We have traditionally run trips to Germany, France and Spain and we are looking forward to being able to offer these trips again to our students.
Downloads
| Title | |
| Curriculum Map | Download |
| Curriculum Overview | Download |
| French Roadmap | Download |
| German Roadmap | Download |
| KS3 MFL Year 7 Language Ladder | Download |
| KS3 MFL Year 8 French Language Ladder | Download |
| KS3 MFL Year 8 German Language Ladder | Download |
| KS3 MFL Year 8 Spanish Language Ladder | Download |
| KS3 MFL Year 9 French Language Ladder | Download |
| KS3 MFL Year 9 German Language Ladder | Download |
| KS3 MFL Year 9 Spanish Language Ladder | Download |
| Spanish Roadmap | Download |