Students in years 7 & 8 are allocated two hours of curriculum time per week for MFL. In their language lessons, students learn to listen, speak, read and write in Spanish/French. They develop a grammatical awareness and understanding of how a language is structured. They also develop cultural awareness of Spain/France and Spanish/French speaking countries.
The MFL curriculum supports students’ educational development as they are exposed to a rich and varied vocabulary. They study and practise grammatical concepts, thus developing an awareness of English and supporting their literacy. Through learning a language, students develop skills such as decoding, memorising, communication and problem solving. Oracy is promoted through the emphasis on speaking and listening.
In language lessons, students develop their cultural capital. They develop a curiosity and interest in the wider world and tolerance and understanding about different ways of life. Students have the opportunity to learn about traditions and festivals in Spanish speaking countries and compare them to their own traditions. They also find out about food, music, literature, art, film from Spanish speaking countries and in doing so, they begin to recognise the similarities and differences with their own lives.
All students are given opportunities to express and justify their thoughts and ideas. They are taught to communicate effectively in speech and in writing, Spontaneity and independence are encouraged and rewarded, enabling students to see a new language as a skill for life rather than vocabulary to be memorised. The KS3 curriculum supports further study in MFL as vocabulary from 60% of the KS4 modules is covered at KS3, allowing study at greater depth and higher level of complexity at KS4.
• expand students’ cultural knowledge and equip them with a skill for life.
Students in KS4, who opt to study for Spanish GCSE are allocated two hours per week for MFL. The course builds directly on the vocabulary and skills learnt at KS3. Students learn to listen, speak, read and write in Spanish/French but there is a greater emphasis on grammatical accuracy and translation. Texts and audio are longer and more challenging. Writing and speaking tasks require students to respond spontaneously and at greater depth.
Cultural awareness continues to be a focus and all topics are studied in the context of Spain/France and Spanish/French speaking countries. There are many opportunities to engage with authentic texts and material. In Spanish lessons, students develop their cultural capital. They develop a curiosity and interest in the wider world and tolerance and understanding about different ways of life. Students learn about traditions and festivals in Spanish speaking countries and compare them to their own traditions. They also find out about food, music, literature, art, film from Spanish speaking countries and in doing so, they understand the similarities and differences with their own lives.
The MFL curriculum supports students’ educational development as they are exposed to a rich and varied vocabulary. They study and practise grammatical concepts, thus deepening their awareness of English and supporting their literacy. Through learning a language, students develop skills such as decoding, memorising, communication and problem solving. Oracy is promoted through the emphasis on speaking and listening. At KS4, students develop independent study skills and are expected to take responsibility for their own learning.
All students are given opportunities to express and justify their thoughts and ideas. Challenging topics such as poverty and homelessness, the work of charities, the environment and family and relationships give students the chance to engage with complex concepts and explore their own ideas and alternative perspectives.
Students at KS4 have opportunities to attend lunchtime speaking practice to help them develop spontaneity and confidence when speaking and they are supported with regular intervention and support sessions.
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