The Modern Foreign Languages Department
Head of Department = Mrs H Eckersley
Context
The MFL department consists of two specialist teachers. The department has two classrooms and additional space for interventions. The department has a united focus on students endeavouring to achieve their personal best and developing a lifelong love for learning of foreign languages.
Curriculum
Students in all year groups are working towards GCSE exams with the AQA exam board. These students will be assessed on the number grade 1-9 system. Pupils study Spanish in Years 7-9 and there is the opportunity for pupils to take GCSE Spanish from Year 10. We ensure that the AQA Spanish GCSE specification stimulates, motivates and challenges all students. We teach a range of topics that are familiar to all, as well as new ones that inspire students who are interested in the culture of Spain and Spanish-speaking communities and countries. The three main themes studied 1: Identity and Culture, 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest and 3: Current and future study and employment.
Assessment
Students in all year groups will complete formal assessments during each topic to assess their progress against the four main skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). GCSE Spanish has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series. Students are rigorously assessed on the four main skills in languages that carry an equal 25% weighting.
Enrichment Opportunities
Throughout the year a variety of exciting enrichment opportunities take place within the MFL Department. Competitions and special sessions will also take place such as European Day of Languages and the ‘Estación de tren’ experience for our feeder primary schools. In addition, we are always seeking opportunities to provide our students with extra-curricular activities related to cinema, theatre and music linked to Spanish which is the language of study. Regular opportunities to spend time in Spain are also available with scope for student exchanges and yearly visits to the Target Language country.
MFL Curriculum Information
