Modern Foreign Languages
Head of Department: Miss T Oldroyd
Key Stage 3
All Students in Year 7 will study French. Students study a variety of topics such as All about me, School and Where I live so that they gain a basic understanding of high frequency words and structures as well as vocabulary and grammar needed for the GCSE course. In years 8 and 9, all students continue to study French. In addition, those who have demonstrated a high degree of linguistic talent also study Spanish.
Key Stage 4
Students can choose to study one or both languages at GCSE. Students study a variety of topics in depth such as Social Issues, Environment and Customs & Traditions of the country. In KS4 students build on their knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical structures in order to prepare them for the Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing GCSE exams at the end of Year 11.
Our approach to the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum
MFL allows students to widen their life and academic opportunities professionally and personally. Knowing a foreign language can open up routes into university and jobs for all regardless of their chosen career path. Learning a language as a young person means that learning other languages as an adult is an easier and quicker process. Learning about the differences (and similarities) between different cultures helps students to develop a sense of identity and a sense of pride in their own heritage. The study of how speakers of other languages conceptualise the world around them can encourage a degree of tolerance to and curiosity other points of view which in turn allow students to better live out the school motto of “Love and Serve through Christ”
We aim to produce proficient linguists who are curious to learn rather than just speakers of a particular language. It is our intention that students have a positive and memorable experience of learning a foreign language and are given the practical and intellectual tools to learn any language once they leave Saint Augustine’s so that they can continue learning languages which may enrich their career and life opportunities in the future.
Our curriculum is ambitious for all learners with every student taking a language on entry. Our ambition for our more talented linguists is reflected in our offer of a second MFL from year 8 onwards.
We aim to provide each learner with the tools to communicate effectively in the language they are studying by developing the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Our Learning Journey:
How you can find out more about the MFL curriculum:
https://aqa.org/subjects/languagesç
Faculty Leader contact: toldroyd@sasyorks.org