Modern Foreign Languages
Spanish 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 South Wolds Academy and Sixth Form? At SWA, Spanish is taught to all pupils in Year 7 and is offered as an EBacc option at Key Stage 4, and, at Key Stage 5. Our Spanish 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. Spanish also provides enrichment opportunities to encourage responsible global citizens who would positively contribute to society.
Pupils studying Spanish 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 Spanish is spoken.
How do approach the curriculum? (and why?) At SWA, we take a thematic approach to Spanish, covering three broad themes (Identity and culture; local, national, international and global areas of interest; current and future study and employment). We 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 at least six lessons per fortnight. Modern Foreign Languages at Key Stage 4 is delivered over five lessons per fortnight. At Key Stage 5, there are six lessons per fortnight. Pupils are, for the most part, taught in mixed ability tutor groups in all years.
How do you monitor 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
French 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 South Wolds Academy and Sixth Form? At SWA, French is taught to all pupils in Year 7 and is offered as an EBacc option at Key Stage 4, and, at Key Stage 5. Our French 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. French also provides enrichment opportunities to encourage responsible global citizens who would positively contribute to society.
Pupils studying French 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 French is spoken.
How do approach the curriculum? (and why?) At SWA, we take a thematic approach to French, covering three broad themes (Identity and culture; local, national, international and global areas of interest; current and future study and employment). We 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 at least 5 lessons per fortnight. Modern Foreign Languages at Key Stage 4 is delivered over five lessons per fortnight. At Key Stage 5, there are six lessons per fortnight. Pupils are, for the most part, taught in mixed ability tutor groups in all years.
How do you monitor 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 – Introducing myself, School, Free Time, My Family and Friends, Holiday project
- Y8 – Holidays, Celebrations, Where I live, Sport
- Y9 – Healthy Lifestyles, Future plans, Who am I, Film Study – les Chorists, French Revolution project
German
- Y7 – This is me, Family and Friends, Free time, German Christmas Project
- Y8 – Where I live, My Holidays, Healthy Lifestyles, My Home and Daily Routine, German Easter Project
- Y9 - School life, My role models, Work and Future Plans, Free time (music, TV and a Film study – Das Wunder von Bern), Divided Germany – the Berlin Wall
Spanish
- Y7 – My Life, My Free Time, My School, South American Countries – an Introduction
- Y8 – My Family and Friends, My City, My Holidays, My Daily Life, Festivals Project
- Y9 – Celebrations, Healthy Lifestyles, Film Project los voces inocentes, Holidays, School life
How to help
Vocabulary learning homework will be set once a fortnight. Click on the relevant Language and year group to download vocabulary documentation.
Vocabulary lists can be found here for;
| French | German | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 Vocab | ||
| Year 8 Vocab | Year 8 Vocab | |
| Year 9 Vocab | Year 9 Vocab |
here will be a creative homework for each unit of work.
There are takeaway menus where you can find extra fun languages tasks and projects for;
Useful Links
- Quizlet
- Active Learn – students have a username and password to access this
- Memrise
KS4 Languages
Course Overview
We study the AQA GCSE course at KS4.
There are three themes. These are the same for French, German and Spanish.
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Self
- Family
- Friends
- Communication technology
- Free time
- Festivals and traditions
Theme 2: Local, national, global areas of interest
- Home town
- Healthy lifestyles
- Charity
- Environmental issues
- Social issues
Theme 3: Future
- School
- Work
- Future plans
Assessment
There are 4 exams:
- Speaking 25%
- Writing 25%
- Listening 25%
- Reading 25%
How to Help
Use apps such as memrise and Quizlet to learn vocabulary regularly.
Active Learn – see your teacher for details
Students are advised to purchase the 5-1-day vocabulary cards from the Print Room
There will be opportunities to go on the Spanish or German exchange
Useful Links
German Links
French Links
Spanish Links
KS5 Modern Foreign Languages
Content:
- Aspects of society and current trends
- Artistic culture
- Multiculturalism
- Aspects of political life
- Film
- Literature
- Grammar
See attached links for further details of the content –
Assessment:
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing
Listening and reading to a range of authentic sources, summaries and translation skills are tested, as well as comprehension.
Paper 2: Writing
Essays written on the book and the film studied.
Paper 3: Speaking
Discussion of one theme and an independent research project on a topic of the student’s choice
How to Help
Trips are run to Germany and France to enhance subject knowledge.
Work experience opportunities are also offered for all three languages.
Students need to immerse themselves in the language and culture of their chosen language as much as possible, turning their phone into German or their Netflix account into Spanish, listening to French radio and reading as widely as possible.
Useful Links
Students should buy the Grammar book, as recommended by their teacher
They will be given access to a digital version of the text book with online exercises and exam practice.