Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) - French and Spanish
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9):
French and Spanish are taught at KS3. Students have four lessons a fortnight. Our KS3 Latin Club is also extremely popular. It runs after school once a week. Latin Club teaches students the basics to prepare students for Latin GCSE, which becomes an option in year 10. Our new Russian Club also runs once a week after school.
Year 7 French and Spanish:
Students study Spanish or French depending on the form group they are allocated at the start of the year. They will continue to study this language throughout KS3. We start from scratch – we will cover all the basics at the start of the year, so it does not really matter if students have never studied a foreign language in primary school. Year 7 has a specific focus on speaking skills.
Year 7 French will cover the following topics:
-Starting vocabulary
-School life
-Leisure time activities
-Family and friends
-My town or city
Students are assessed at the end of each module/topic covered.
Year 7 has a specific focus on speaking skills.
Year 7 Spanish will cover the following topics:
-Personal life
-Leisure time activities
-School life
-Family and friends
-My town or city
Students are assessed at the end of each module/topic covered.
Year 7 has a specific focus on speaking skills.
Year 8 French will cover the following topics:
-Holidays
-Celebrations
-TV, social media and cinema
-Local area and weather
Sports and health
Students are assessed at the end of each module / topic covered.
Year 8 has a specific focus on writing skills.
Year 8 Spanish will cover the following topics:
-Holidays
-TV, social media and cinema
-Food
-Going out with friends
-Summer activities
Students are assessed at the end of each module/topic covered.
Year 8 has a specific focus on writing skills.
Year 9 French will cover the following topics:
-Describing yourself, family and friends
-Describing relationship dynamics
-Role models
-Music and films
-Sports
-Daily routine
-Celebrations
-Traditions
Students are assessed at the end of each module / topic covered.
Year 9 has a specific focus on reading and listening skills.
Year 9 Spanish will cover the following topics:
-Holiday preferences
-City of Barcelona
-Hotel bookings and problems
-Schools in Spain and Latin America
-School rules and problems
-Describing relationship dynamics
-Describing peoples’ appearance
-Social media and reading
Students are assessed at the end of each module / topic covered.
Year 9 has a specific focus on reading and listening skills.
Year 9 French and Spanish:
Students will get to choose if they carry on with their foreign language at GCSE level starting in Year 10. Studying a foreign language at GCSE is no longer mandatory but it remains highly desirable.
Further information on how students choose their GCSE options will be provided throughout the academic year so that students can make a well-informed decision.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11):
The MFL GCSE at a glance
In your MFL GCSE course, building up from your learning at Key Stage 3, you will continue to work on the skills of listening, reading, speaking including correct pronunciation, writing and grammar. You will also deepen your knowledge of vocabulary and structure, how to ask for and give information, opinions and reasons as well as to understand and to make reference to past, present and future events.
We are also fortunate enough to have Foreign Language Assistants for French and Spanish. This means that students will get speaking support in small groups.
Themes studied:
Identity and culture:
- Me, my family and friends
- Technology in everyday life
- Free time activities
- Customs and traditions
Local, national, international and global areas of interest:
- Home and town
- Social issues
- Global issues
- Travel and tourism
Current and future study and employment:
- My studies
- Life at school / college
- Education post-16
- Jobs, careers and ambitions
Exam Paper Components:
You will complete four different exams at the end of your GCSE course. They each have an equal weighting of 25%. Durations and tasks can vary depending on what tier (higher / foundation) you are entered for.
Higher listening paper (45 minutes):
A wide range of listening questions. Some are multiple choice and some require words or phrases in English or target language.
Higher reading paper (60 minutes):
A wide range of reading questions. Some are multiple choice and some require words or phrases in English or target language. Short translation into English
Higher writing paper (75 minutes):
- 90 word question.
- 150 word question.
- Medium length translation into target language.
Speaking paper (9 – 12 minutes + 12 minutes to prepare):
Role play task, photo task and general conversation task.
Foundation listening paper (35 minutes):
A wide range of listening questions. Some are multiple choice and some require words or phrases in English.
Foundation reading paper (45 minutes):
A wide range of reading questions. Some are multiple choice and some require words or phrases in English or target language. Short translation into English.
Foundation writing paper (60 minutes):
Written photo description. 40 word question. Translation of five sentences into target language. 90 word question.
Foundation speaking paper (7-9 minutes + 12 minutes to prepare):
Role play task, photo task and general conversation task.
Further information:
Please see below links for further information on the learning journey and curriculum maps within Modern Foreign Languages:
