Header Image 1
Choose a subject

MFL

"When you learn a new language, you gain a new perspective." – Sandra Cisneros

 

Subject Overview
Provide a brief introduction to the subject, outlining its significance within the school curriculum and its role in student development.

The MFL department plays a vital role in fostering global citizenship and cultural awareness in our students. Through the study of French and Spanish, students develop essential communication skills, broaden their cognitive abilities, and gain insights into diverse ways of life. Language learning enhances empathy, resilience, and adaptability—key traits in our increasingly interconnected world.

Curriculum Intent
Describe the aims and objectives of the subject. What skills and knowledge should students acquire? How does the subject contribute to the school's ethos and values?

The MFL curriculum aims to:

  • Develop students’ abilities to communicate effectively in another language across speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Cultivate curiosity about the world and deepen understanding of other cultures.
  • Equip students with the vocabulary, grammar, and confidence to use the target language spontaneously and accurately.
  • Promote critical thinking and independent learning through authentic language use and cultural exploration.

The subject supports the school’s ethos by fostering inclusivity, encouraging lifelong learning, and preparing students for a global future.

Curriculum Implementation
Detail how the subject is taught across different year groups. Include information on teaching methods, resources used, and any unique approaches or projects.

Key Stage 3:

  • Year 7 students experience both French and Spanish on a rotation system (Spanish: Sept–Feb; French: Feb–July).
  • At the end of Year 7, students choose one language to continue in Year 8.
  • Lessons are interactive, with a strong focus on speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary building.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE):

  • Students study AQA GCSE French or Spanish.
  • Skills are developed equally across Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
  • Authentic resources (songs, articles, films) are used to deepen engagement.
  • Emphasis is placed on independent production of language and understanding real-world contexts.

Key Stage 5 (A Level):

  • AQA A Level in French and Spanish is offered.
  • Students engage in debate, presentations, and in-depth analysis of film and literature.
  • Classes are small and provide personalised feedback and extension opportunities.
  • Topics include immigration, multiculturalism, politics, and historical events.

Throughout all key stages, teaching is enriched by ICT tools, interactive whiteboards, language learning apps, and student-led tasks that promote autonomy and creativity.

Curriculum Impact
Explain how student progress is assessed and monitored. Highlight any notable achievements, examination results, or improvements in student outcomes.

Student progress is monitored through:

  • Formative assessments (quizzes, oral work, written tasks)
  • Summative assessments at key points in the year
  • Regular speaking and listening practice under exam conditions
  • Peer and self-assessment to build reflective learners

Successes include

  • High student uptake of MFL at GCSE and A Level
  • Regularly strong GCSE and A Level results
  • Increased student confidence and willingness to use language independently
  • Alumni pursuing languages at university and in international careers

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8):
Outline the topics covered, skills developed, and assessment methods used in Key Stage 3.

Topics Covered:

  • Greetings, personal identity, family, school life, hobbies, town, food, holidays
  • Grammar foundations: verb conjugation, gender, agreements, sentence structure, different tenses.

Skills Developed:

  • Accurate pronunciation, memory recall, written expression, listening strategies

Assessment Methods:

  • Regular vocabulary tests
  • Speaking and writing assessments
  • End-of-unit comprehension tasks

Key Stage 4 (Years 9 - 11):
Provide information on GCSE courses offered, including exam boards, course content, and assessment structure.

Courses Offered:

  • AQA GCSE French
  • AQA GCSE Spanish

Course Content:

  • Identity and culture
  • Local, national, international and global areas of interest
  • Current and future study and employment

Assessment Structure:

  • Listening – 25%
  • Reading – 25%
  • Writing – 25%
  • Speaking – 25%

(All examined at the end of Year 11)

Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): (if applicable)
Detail A-Level or equivalent courses available, including curriculum content, assessment methods, and progression opportunities.

Courses Offered:

  • AQA A Level French
  • AQA A Level Spanish

Curriculum Content

  • Novel studied: “Un sac de billes” and “La casa de Bernarda Alba” 
  • Film studied: “Au revoir les enfants” and “Volver”
  • Topics: political issues, youth culture, social trends, diversity, historical movements

Assessment Methods:

  • Speaking exam (individual research project)
  • Listening, reading and translation papers
  • Written essay paper (film and literature)

Progression Opportunities:

  • University study in languages or related disciplines
  • Careers in fields like international business, law, media, education, tourism, and diplomacy.

Enrichment Opportunities
List any extracurricular activities, clubs, trips, or competitions related to the subject that enhance student learning and engagement.

  • Spanish and French language clubs
  • Trips to France and Spain
  • Foreign film screenings and discussion groups
  • Pen-pal programmes
  • European Day of Languages events
  • MFL House competitions and vocabulary challenges

Curious about the curriculum:
Any website links, applications, videos, podcasts which support the love of learning and curriculum content but are not covered in class. 

Websites & Apps:

Looking for something to read
List any reading materials which students can read to develop their knowledge, understanding or love of learning further.

  • Le Petit Nicolas – René Goscinny
  • No et moi – Delphine de Vigan (A Level)
  • Le Petit Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Spanish:

  • Cuentos cortos para aprender español – Various Authors
  • Como agua para chocolate – Laura Esquivel (A Level)
  • Manolito Gafotas –  Elvira Lindo

Resources and Facilities
Describe the facilities and resources available to support teaching and learning in the subject, such as laboratories, studios, or specialist equipment.

  • Dedicated MFL classrooms with interactive TV screens
  • Subscription to Linguascope and ActiveLearn
  • Access to digital dictionaries and online platforms
  • Opportunities to practise with native speakers
  • Support for EAL learners working towards home language GCSEs

Contact Information
If you'd like to find out more please contact Miss S Olaya on solaya@forest.academy

Back