Modern Foreign Languages
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KS3 Modern Foreign Languages
The MFL Course at KS3 has been designed to embed language-learning skills, whilst equipping students for the challenges of GCSE.
Throughout years 7-9, students are offered the chance to learn both French and Spanish and there is a strong emphasis on rigorous grammar and skills acquisition, vocabulary-based learning, in addition to a culturally up-to-date content.
All students have access to the Interactive Learning modules which accompany our chosen textbooks.
Year 7
Students have 2 lessons of French per week. The following topics are covered:
- Term 1 All about me
- Term 2 School life
- Term 3 Free Time
Year 8
Students have 2 MFL lessons per week. Both Spanish and French are taught and each language rotates on a weekly basis.
- Term 1 French – Family Life
- Term 1 Spanish – Introduction to the Spanish Language – All About Me
- Term 2 French – In the town
- Term 2 Spanish – School
- Term 3 French – Project-based
- Term 3 Spanish – My Family
Year 9
Students continue with both French and Spanish on a rota basis (set 3 concentrate on Spanish* KS3) and have 3 MFL lessons per week. Students now start GCSE work and cover the following topics over the year, with a key focus on grammar and examination skills:
French
Who am I? (Theme 1: Identity and Culture)
Leisure (Theme 1: Identity and Culture)
Spanish
Holidays (Theme 2: Local, international and global areas of interest)
School Life (Theme 2: Current and future study and employment)
Spanish*
House & Home
Free Time
In the town
Assessment
At the end of every unit, pupils have a written assessment, focusing on a key skill(s) for that topic, as well as a formal examination during exam week in year 7, 8 and 9. Progress is reported to parents through interim and full written reports and discussed at Parent’s evenings.
Aims
The new GCSE MFL specification aims to develop language skills in a variety of contexts, to enable students to realise their full potential, and to equip them for the world of work in which knowledge of a second language is more and more desirable.
It will also give them an insight into different cultures and will help them to develop their identity as a global citizen. In addition, a good grade at G.C.S.E. will give students the opportunity to further their MFL study at A-Level should they wish to do so.
Overview
The course will enable students to understand and discuss a wide range of issues and opinions, under the following three themes:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Sub-themes: Youth culture: self and relationships, technology and social media. Lifestyle: health and fitness, entertainment and leisure. Customs and traditions: food and drink, festivals and celebrations.
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Sub-themes: Home and Locality: local areas of interest, transport. France/Spain and French/Spanish speaking countries: local and regional features and characteristics, holidays and tourism. Global Sustainability: environment, social issues
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Sub-themes: Current Study: school/college life, school/college studies. World of Work: work experience and part-time jobs, skills and personal qualities. Jobs and Future Plans: applying for work/study, career plans.
Assessment
All assessments will be carried out at the end of year 11. Candidates will be entered for either foundation or higher tier. There are 4 components to this qualification:
Component 1: Speaking (25%)
Students will complete 3 tasks: 1) role-play; 2) photo card discussion; 3) general conversation.
Component 2: Listening (25%)
The listening component requires students to respond to a range of questions in English and also in the assessed language. Students will respond to different types of spoken language which may include monologues, conversations, discussions, interviews, announcements and messages.
Component 3: Reading (25%)
Reading tasks will be taken from a range of contexts which may include advertisements, newspaper articles (adapted), literary-type texts (adapted), emails, messages and letters. A new element of this examination is that students will be required to translate short passages into English.
Component 4: Writing (25%)
This component requires students to respond in the assessed language to a range of written tasks. Learners are also required to display their knowledge of, and accurate application of, grammar and structures. A new element on this paper requires students to translate a short passage from English into the assessed language.
