Modern Foreign Languages

Curriculum Leader: Mrs F Barringer

Subject Teachers: Mrs F Barringer, Mrs G Castro, Miss S Montgomery and Mrs S Shellard

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head, if you talk to a man in his own language, it goes to his heart 

Nelson Mandela

Overall Purpose of the Subjects - Summary:

At Cove school, our aim is to inspire a love of languages and an appreciation for different cultures. We want to broaden pupils’ horizons and educate them about the advantages of being globally aware and culturally sensitive. We aim to teach pupils the importance of being literate, of having excellent communication skills, and of speaking more than one language in our increasingly global community. We create a learning environment in the classroom that motivates and encourages students to communicate, as far as possible, in the target language, and incite them to take on challenges as well as risks with their learning.

We employ different teaching methods that actively engage our students in meaningful and experiential learning as well as trigger their curiosity. We endeavour to do this through careful questioning, peer-and-self-assessment and through interactive methods of teaching and learning. Real communication is the central thread to our lessons and the teaching of grammar is considered vital to develop genuine independence in the students’ ability to express themselves.

It is also important that our students are given access to a wide range of resources, including the use of ICT and authentic materials.  Enrichment activities are offered, whenever possible, including extra-curricular trips abroad and clubs. Overall, the MFL department hopes to develop their students’ all-around education and competencies needed to enter the world of work after their full-time education.

MFL Curriculum Course Outline and Structure - Key Stage 3 for French, German and Spanish

Assessment Method - Each topic is design to cover the following strands or Assessment Objectives.

Listening – AO1

• listen to a variety of forms of spoken language to obtain information and respond appropriately
• transcribe words and short sentences that they hear with increasing accuracy

Speaking – AO2

• initiate and develop conversations, coping with unfamiliar language and unexpected responses, making use of important social conventions such as formal modes of address
• express and develop ideas clearly and with increasing accuracy.
• speak coherently and confidently, with increasingly accurate pronunciation and intonation

Reading – A03

• read and show comprehension of original and adapted materials from a range of different sources, understanding the purpose, important ideas and details, and provide an accurate English translation of short, suitable material
• read literary texts in the language, such as stories, songs, poems and letters, to stimulate ideas, develop creative expression and expand understanding of the language and culture

Writing – A04

• write prose using an increasingly wide range of grammar and vocabulary, write creatively to express their own ideas and opinions, and translate short written text accurately into the foreign language

Grammar – A05

• identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present, past, and future as appropriate to the language being studied
• use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures and patterns, including voices and moods, as appropriate
• develop and use a wide-ranging and deepening vocabulary that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, allowing them to give and justify opinions and take part in discussion about wider issues
• use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation      

Course Outline and Structure - Key Stage 4                       Exam Board: AQA

GCSE French/German/Spanish

We strongly advise students to consider studying a Modern Foreign Language at GCSE.  Not only can learning another language help to improve our understanding of English but also confidence and knowledge of another language can prove to be a valuable asset when seeking employment. Knowing another language can enhance our travel experiences abroad and strengthen our position as world citizens. For many of the Russell Group Universities a Language GCSE is an expectation regardless of the degree course.

Course content at KS4:

Theme 1: Identity and culture

Topic 1: Me, my family and friends

• Relationships with family and friends
• Marriage / partnership

Topic 2: Technology in everyday life

• Social media
• Mobile technology

Topic 3: Free-time activities

• Music
• Cinema and TV
• Food and eating out
• Sport

Topic 4: Customs and festivals in French/German/Spanish-speaking countries/communities

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region

Topic 2: Social issues

• Charity/volunteer work
• Healthy/unhealthy living

Topic 3: Global issues

• The environment
• Poverty/homelessness

Topic 4: Travel and tourism

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

Topic 1: My studies

Topic 2: Life at   school/college

Topic 3: Education post-16

Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions

Assessment Structure:

Additional information:

Our aim is to help our language students achieve their full potential and ultimately their target grades. We organise visits abroad, which offer opportunities to practise language skills in a real life setting and to experience the culture of the country first hand. In previous years the department’s trips France and Germany have proved to be great successes and these will continue in the future.