Modern Foreign Languages

Welcome to Modern Foreign Languages

Being able to communicate in another language is a life skill that plays an essential part in becoming a true global citizen.

The internet and travel make the world seem a smaller place. However, our communication with other countries and cultures gives us a better understanding of the world we live in. We aim to inspire students to use the languages we teach with confidence. The skills gained by learning a language complement other curriculum areas and are viewed favourably by employers and universities.

Curriculum and Qualifications

 

Key Stage 3

The KS3 curriculum is structured to enable students to develop skills and linguistic competence within a range of topic areas.

Year 7 and 8:  During Year 7 students study half a year of German and half a year of French. This pattern is then repeated through Year 8

Year 9: During Year 9 students will focus in on one of these languages and study this in greater depth

Students are assessed throughout KS3 to provide them and their teachers with information about their progress and next steps for learning. Assessments will cover one or more of the different skill areas (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Information from these assessments is combined with their work in class and homework to arrive at an overall picture of their learning.

Key Stage 4

Through KS4 students will build on their knowledge and skills gained in KS3 and cover a range of structures and vocabulary in the following topic areas:

  • Identity and culture: family and friends/technology/free time/customs and festivals

  • Local, national, international and global areas of interest: local area/social issues/global issues/travel

  • Current and future study and employment: my studies/life at school/education post-16/jobs

Students will continue to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

Students will take terminal exams in all four skill areas and can be entered at either Foundation or Higher Level. T he level at which students are entered is based on their progress during the course. E ach skill is worth 25% of the final grade.

For more information on the specifications and qualifications at GCSE level, please use the links below:

Home Learning

The department sets homework for students:

  • To give them the opportunity to consolidate/improve/extend their classroom learning.

  • To help them develop independent learning skills.

  • To allow them to use their preferred way of working/learning to complete tasks.

Students in KS3 should get MFL homework once every two weeks as a minimum.

Students in KS4 should get MFL homework every week as well as ongoing learning homework on the Memrise website.


If you require further information about the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum at KS3 or KS4, please contact Mrs Stone, Head of Department, at StoneK@uffculmeschool.bep.ac

 

Extra Curricular Opportunities

There are a variety of opportunities for students to get involved with extra curricular activities within the MFL department, including:

  • Annual MFL Speaking Competition (held at Pilton Community College in Barnstaple)

  • Trip to the German Christmas Markets in Cologne each December

  • French Exchange to Normandy run by Mr Laurence Eve

  • Bi-annual trip to Paris during Activities Week

  • 'Aspire' Mandarin workshop

Department Staff