Modern Foreign Languages

Curriculum Intent

Why do we need to learn a language? One of the most rewarding aspects of human experience is our ability to connect with others. Being able to communicate with someone in his or her language is an incredible gift. Bilinguals have the unique opportunity to communicate with a wider range of people in their personal and professional lives. Knowing the language makes you a local no matter where you are, opening up your world literally and figuratively.

Language skills can be a significant competitive advantage that sets you apart from your monolingual peers. They are among the top eight skills required of all occupations—no matter your sector or skill level—and the demand for bilingual professionals is rising exponentially. Employers are seeking professionals who can communicate seamlessly with customers in new and expanding overseas markets, as well as serve and sell to a large foreign-born population here at home.

Moreover, there are many undeniable cognitive benefits of learning languages. People who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration and better listening skills. They switch between competing tasks and monitor changes in their environment more easily than monolinguals, as well as display signs of greater creativity and flexibility. It also helps to stave off mental aging and cognitive decline.

What is offered at The South Wolds Academy and Sixth Form? At SWA, French and Spanish are taught to all pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9 and are offered as an EBacc option at Key Stage 4, and at Key Stage 5. German is currently taught at KS4 and KS5. Our MFL curriculum exceeds the demands of the National Curriculum and aims to develop the understanding of spoken and written language from a variety of real world sources. It increases opportunities for spontaneous speech through dialogue in order to build confidence and fluency when communicating. The subject also facilitates the production of written responses at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using a variety of grammatical structures and makes use of appropriate social conventions, including informal and formal address. It promotes curiosity, as well as developing awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries or communities where the language is spoken. The curriculum also allows for collaboration with other curriculum areas to deepen learning and encourage bilingualism. It helps to develop resilient and independent learners in order to maximise their progress and prepare them for the next stage in their education irrespective of their attainment and background. Modern Foreign Languages also provides enrichment opportunities to encourage responsible global citizens who would positively contribute to society.

Pupils studying Modern Foreign Languages will build on their prior knowledge and learn to express their ideas on a wide range of topics. Particular emphasis is placed on developing spoken fluency. In addition to furthering linguistic competence, pupils will learn about the culture of countries where the target language is spoken. We also ensure that opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding and skills exist and that the programme is relevant and appropriate to the ethos of the Academy and the needs of our students.

How is this subject delivered? Modern Foreign Languages is taught to all pupils in Year 7-9 over six lessons per fortnight, 3 per language. At Key Stage 4 it is delivered over five lessons per fortnight. At Key Stage 5, there are seven lessons per fortnight. Pupils are, for the most part, taught in mixed ability groups in all years.

How do you monitor the quality of your curriculum? The Subject Performance Leader is responsible for the quality of the curriculum and informally monitors the quality of delivery by the MFL department. MFL is part of the SWA Quality Assurance Programme through termly Quality Assurance Reviews and is scrutinised through the Deep Dive methodology once a year.

What is the subject expertise in your department?
All staff are subject specialists and qualified to teach MFL

The courses taught within each Key Stage are outlined below. If you have any further queries, please email mfl@southwolds.uk

Please note that this email address is not monitored daily but we will endeavour to reply within 3 working days.

KS3 Languages

Course overview

French

Y7

Key themes: introducing yourself, describing school life, talking about likes and dislikes and describing family and friends.

You will begin exploring the world of languages and their associated cultures. You will start to learn about language patterns and become familiar with grammatical terminology, as well as learning to express yourself in the present and future tenses.