Modern Foreign Languages

Introduction

The renovated approach of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Department to language learning prepares pupils with the necessary skills and language qualifications that are increasingly becoming crucial to access university and career opportunities.

We aim to equip pupils with the skills to become lifelong learners, strengthening their ability to express themselves as well as providing an insight into foreign peoples, countries and cultures and thereby broadening their intellectual horizons.

Our specific aims are that learners:

• Derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning
• Recognise that their knowledge, skills and understanding help them take their place in a multilingual global society
• Develop understanding of the language in a variety of contexts
• Develop knowledge of the language and its structures
• Develop knowledge of language learning skills and strategies
• Develop the ability to communicate effectively in the language, orally and in writing
• Develop awareness and understanding of countries and communities where the language is spoken.

The MFL course develops pupils’ communicative competence in the four equally important attainment targets of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

We also aim to broaden pupils’ knowledge and skills beyond the subject specification. In particular, MFL learners are required to work collaboratively with their peers as pairs or in groups, to develop independent research skills, to develop ICT skills, to learn to organise and manage their time and resources effectively, and to become reflective and independent learners.

The study of MFL at Key Stage 4 also requires pupils to explore and reflect on notions of citizenship, and personal and social responsibility.

The learning of a foreign language is an essential part of the curriculum therefore the Department offers Spanish for all year groups and soon will offer Latin and French as extracurricular activities.