MFL
Modern Foreign Languages
A love for learning, progress and success are at the heart of modern languages teaching at Netherhall. The curriculum is modern and relevant, reflecting the world in which we live both as a society and as individuals. Teaching inspires creativity and fosters ambition to embrace challenging learning and the understanding of different cultures. It engages pupils as they learn language linked to their own lives and experiences and the different techniques and resources used mean all may feel included and able to succeed.
Key Stage 3
Pupils study French in Year 7 and most take up German in years 8 and 9.
From Year 7, we aim to develop pupils’ confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness through their study of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL).
Pupils begin in Year 7 learning how to express opinions, and this fosters an enthusiastic and inspiring atmosphere from the outset. Language learnt is then built on and progression is clear.
The curriculum is relevant to the lives of the pupils taking in for example: school, family, free-time activities, hobbies and holidays. MFL is taught in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. This helps the curriculum remain dynamic and fast moving and allows pupils different ways of learning and being successful.
Learning about the culture of the countries where the foreign language is spoken is imbedded in the curriculum. This includes learning about food, festivals, films, history and traditions, all of which fosters an understanding and appreciation of the wider world.
A variety of resources, including online platforms, mini whiteboards, games and interactive tasks, helps to foster a positive and forward moving environment.
Activities may be whole class, group, pair or individual and aim to allow progress in the four skills mentioned above. This allows relationships to mature as pupils become comfortable working with their peers.
We use homework as a way of expanding pupils’ knowledge in a way that is wider than the curriculum. Tasks set allow pupils to pursue their own interests or take their learning to a new level.
Key Stage 4
At KS4 pupils are offered the opportunity to study French or German or both. The curriculum builds on what has been taught in KS3, consolidating and expanding the skills, grammar, structures and topics. We currently follow the AQA GCSE syllabus which hangs on the three themes of:
- Identity and culture
- Local, national and global issues
- School, future plans and employment
At the end of the 2 years, pupils sit exams in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with each of them being worth 25% of the overall grade.
As with KS3, a variety of activities and resources are used to generate vibrant interactive lessons and support the progression of each individual.
Extracurricular activities:
We believe languages should be enjoyed beyond the classroom, so we are delighted to promote the following opportunities:
- Spelling Bee – This is a fun competition for all our Year 7 pupils
- Language Leaders – Year 9 pupils are taught how to construct and deliver a languages lesson. They then demonstrate their newfound skills at a local primary school, teaching a class of pupils.
- Digital German Exchange – Year 9 pupils exchange emails and video messages with pupils in a school in Germany.
- Languages Café – This is an enjoyable, relaxed club open to anyone in KS3 where things like board games and indoor boules are played.
- World Cinema Week – This takes place twice a year and is open to any pupil. Each day we show a short award-winning film from around the world. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on and discuss what they have seen.
- Paris trip – This is a 4 day visit in the Summer term, open to pupils in Years 7 to 9 as part of the Netherhall Experiential Week.
- Alsace trip – This is a 4 day visit, open to pupils in Year 10 who choose to study a language at GCSE.
Links
www.pearsonactivelearn.com – This is a useful website which links to our textbooks, allowing us to set homework tasks that link to the language and structures covered in lessons.
www.atantot.com – This is a fun language learning website that we use in lessons and for homework.
www.memrise.com – This is a great website for learning vocabulary.
www.languagesonline.org.uk – This is a good website for practising grammar.
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658/specification-at-a-glance – This is the link to the French GCSE specification.