One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
– Frank Smith
MFL
Our modern foreign languages curriculum provides pupils with an introduction to the essential vocabulary and grammatical knowledge that they need to be confident and coherent linguists. It introduces students to the best that has been thought and said in the original language; and helps engender an appreciation of human imagination, creativity and achievement from around the world.
Mrs J Sansbury
Head of MFL
Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. The many cognitive benefits of learning languages are undeniable. People who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills.
Our languages curriculum has been carefully designed and delivered to:
- foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world (OPENING HEARTS to new cultures)
- enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing (OPENING MINDS to new ideas, opinions and methods of communication and expression)
- provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language (OPENING MINDS to new ways of thinking, communicating and literature)
- Provide the foundation and passion for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries (OPENING DOORS to international opportunities and experiences)
Year 7, 8 and 9 Curriculum Content
At Key Stage 3, we aim to provide an enjoyable and engaging education for all pupils; an education that challenges our students and encourages each individual to be the best they can be. Students learn Spanish at Key Stage 3 and follow the ‘¡Viva!’ programme of study, which is packed with relevant content and topics aimed at pupils’ engagement and enjoyment of learning. The course has a strong cultural focus and a wide range of resources for all abilities.
Year 10 and 11 Curriculum Content
At Key Stage 4, we aim to produce confident, capable and articulate linguists who can work independently in their Speaking and Writing with a range of vocabulary, tenses and complex structures. Learning is themed around real world topics and issues which gradually introduces increasingly complex levels of language to stretch and challenge students. As a result, our students are able to express opinions and offer justifications.
| Year 10 | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn HT1 | Students will focus on international areas of interest by studying holidays. |
| Autumn HT12 | Students will revisit school subjects, rules, uniform, facilities, clubs and achievements using object pronouns. |
| Spring HT1 | Students will revisit content related to families, relationships, physical descriptions and personality. |
| Spring HT2 | Students will revisit content related to TV programmes, sports, music and role models. |
| Summer HT1 | Students will revisit content related to life in the city/countryside. |
| Summer HT2 | Students will revisit content related to life in the city/countryside. |
| Year 11 | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn HT1 | Students will review describing mealtimes and talking about daily routine. |
| Autumn HT2 | Students will practice talking about different jobs and discussing job preferences, how to earn money and work experience. |
| Spring HT1 | Students will revisit the topic of the environment, lifestyle and global and social issues. |
| Spring HT2 | Students will revisit the topic of the environment, lifestyle and global and social issues. |
| Summer HT1 | Revision |
| Summer HT2 | Revision |
Key Stage 4 MFL students follow the AQA GCSE Spanish specification. For further details, please follow the links below.
Please click on the logos below to visit MFL-specific materials and resources.
- BBC Bitesize KS3:
- BBC Bitesize KS4:
- Oak National Academy:
Please click on the First Careers logo to visit their website.
A Student’s View
“Add Text Here”
Oliver
Former Notre Dame student, went on to study English Literature at University of Cambridge
