Head of Modern Foreign Languages: Miss Sarah Nicholls (snicholls@swr.gloucs.sch.uk)

Our intent:

“Spread your wings, you will have no idea how far you can fly”

Imagine living in a world where you can only speak to 1 in every 21 people or a world where everyone looks the same way, acts the same way, likes the same things. In MFL we promote a love of learning and curiosity, exposing learners to new countries, cultures, and languages. Learning another language develops literacy and oracy in both the target language and English, preparing students to succeed in a globalised society. We believe that language lessons, trips and extracurricular activities will broaden students’ horizons beyond familiar cultural boundaries – raising aspirations, developing collaborative skills, and creating resilient young adults.

The Big Picture

KS3

• Year 7: Four hours of French per fortnight
• Year 8: Two hours of French per fortnight and three hours of Spanish per fortnight
• Year 9: Two hours of French per fortnight and two hours of Spanish per fortnight

At KS3 students will develop key linguistic and problem-solving skills that they can use in GCSE French/ Spanish, or to learn another language of their choice in later life. At KS3 we seek to build confidence and enthusiasm for language learning by providing students with multiple opportunities to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. This is done using the method of Extensive Processing Instruction developed by Gianfranco Conti. This method allows students to learn language in chunks and focusses heavily on recycling and spaced repetition. These chunks can then be grammatically unpicked at GCSE.

Currently we are running a Year 7 Trip to Paris (July 2023) and investigating options for a Spain trip! We also do yearly “Step-Out” lessons, so that students can be exposed to more in-depth cultural studies.

KS4

Our KS4 provision is five hours a fortnight. Students may choose to continue with one or both of French and Spanish at GCSE. Our exam board is AQA. We subscribe to the Kerboodle and Exampro digital platforms for additional support resources.

The GCSE specifications have been designed to encompass a wide range of contexts or topics. Students will complete four examinations (worth 25% each):

• Listening
• Reading
• Speaking
• Writing

Students can be entered at either Higher or Foundation level (the teacher will decide the most appropriate entry during the progression of the course).

We follow the AQA 2 year Scheme of Work, ensuring that students have studied all three themes, as well as specific exam skills.

Theme 1: Identity and Culture

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

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment