MFL
As part of the Archway Learning Trust family we’re passionate and hope to impart the benefits that learning a language can bring. We strongly believe in languages as a skill for life and something students should enjoy and find rewarding. Our curriculum is structured to help students of all abilities progress and develop a passion for languages, through culturally engaging content. We have a captivating and inspirational course of study that enables students to manipulate and use languages effectively, independently and creatively, so that they have a solid basis from which to progress to GCSE, A Level, higher education or employment, as well as prepare pupils for today’s global village.
Throughout Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 the Modern Foreign Languages’ curriculum aims to develop pupils’ ability to communicate confidently and coherently. We aim for students to be confident in speech and writing, conveying what they would like to say with increasing accuracy, to express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently, to listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed. Students learn how to extend and add interest, intonation and expression to their speech as they advance. Pupils are also encouraged to grow through learning, deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary in order to increase their independent use and understanding of extended language in a wide range of contexts.
The Modern Foreign Languages curriculum aims to give pupils the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to a rich range of authentic spoken and written materials including literary texts. Pupils grow by developing awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities, and are encouraged to make appropriate links to other areas of the curriculum to enable bilingual and deeper learning, where the language may become a medium for constructing and applying knowledge.
AQA GCSE
The GCSE content in Languages is split into three themes covering a wide variety of aspects of life. Students will use a variety of authentic texts, as well as written and audio resources with an emphasis on grammar, communication and spontaneity. The three themes that make up the GCSE content and their subtopics are:
- Identity and culture– Me, my friends and family, Technology in everyday life, Free-time activities and Customs and Festivals.
- Local, national, international and global areas of interest– Home, town, neighbourhood and region, Social issues, Global issues and Travel and tourism.
- Current and future study and employment– My studies, Education post 16 and Jobs, career choices and employment.
Students are assessed through an exam in each of the 4 skill areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing each of which is worth 25% of their overall GCSE grade.
