Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

About the Department

The Modern Foreign Languages Department is a dynamic and ambitious team committed to developing confident, articulate linguists with a strong understanding of the wider world.

Head of MFL: Ms Bouchy 

Intent

Our MFL curriculum aims to:

  • Foster a love of language learning and curiosity about different cultures
  • Enable students to communicate confidently in French and Spanish
  • Develop strong literacy skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and translation
  • Build cultural capital through exposure to authentic materials and real-world contexts
  • Prepare students for further study and global opportunities

We are ambitious for all learners and ensure that our curriculum is inclusive, challenging, and carefully sequenced.

Implementation
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
Students study either French or Spanish for four hours per fortnight.
Curriculum Content:

Students build a strong foundation in phonics, vocabulary, and grammar through topics such as:

  • Family and relationships
  • Free time and hobbies
  • Healthy lifestyles
  • Holidays and travel
  • School and future aspirations

Grammar and high levels of literacy are embedded throughout all schemes of work. Cultural understanding is developed through authentic materials and projects exploring film, art, and the French and Spanish speaking world.

Assessment:
  • Ongoing formative assessment in lessons
  • One deep-marked task per half-term with detailed feedback and targets
  • Half-termly formal assessments, including GCSE-style questions across all four skills
Enrichment:
  • Korean club
  • Educational visits to France and Madrid (Year 8)
Key Stage 4 (GCSE French and Spanish)
Students follow either AQA GCSE French or Spanish.
Curriculum Time:
  • Year 10: 5 hours per fortnight
  • Year 11: 4 hours per fortnight
Course Content:

Students study three key themes:

  • People and lifestyle
  • Popular culture
  • Communication and the world around us
Assessment:
  • Regular formative and summative assessment
  • Two deep-marked tasks per half-term
  • Mock examinations in Years 10 and 11
Students are entered for either Foundation (grades 1–5) or Higher (grades 5–9) and sit four papers:
  • Listening (25%)
  • Speaking (25%)
  • Reading (25%)
  • Writing (25%)
Support & Extension:
  • Lunchtime intervention sessions for support and stretch
  • Opportunity to take an additional GCSE in another language for fluent speakers
Key Stage 5 (A Level French and Spanish)
Students study AQA A Level French or Spanish, with 5 hours per week in both Year 12 and Year 13.
A Level French
Curriculum Content:
  • Aspects of French-speaking society (trends and issues)
  • Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
  • Political life in French-speaking countries
Students study:
  • La Haine 
  • No et moi 

Students also complete an Individual Research Project for the speaking exam.

Assessment:
  • Regular assessment with at least two deep-marked tasks per half-term
  • Mock exams in Years 12 and 13
Final assessment:
  • Paper 1: Listening, reading, writing (50%)
  • Paper 2: Writing (20%)
  • Paper 3: Speaking (30%)
Enrichment:
  • Study trips to London, including conferences at the British Film Institute
A Level Spanish
Delivered in collaboration with Richard Challoner School.
Curriculum Content:
  • Aspects of Hispanic society (trends and issues)
  • Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
  • Political life in Spanish-speaking countries
Students study:
  • Volver
  • La casa de Bernarda Alba

Students also complete an Individual Research Project.

Assessment:
  • Regular formative and summative assessment
  • At least two deep-marked tasks per half-term
  • Mock exams in Years 12 and 13
Final assessment:
  • Paper 1: Listening, reading, writing (50%)
  • Paper 2: Writing (20%)
  • Paper 3: Speaking (30%)
Enrichment:

Study conferences in London, including events at the British Film Institute

Impact

Through our curriculum, students:

  • Develop confidence in all four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing
  • Acquire a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary, enabling independent communication
  • Gain a deeper understanding of global cultures and perspectives
  • Achieve strong outcomes at GCSE and A Level
  • Are well-prepared for further study and careers in an increasingly globalised world
Enrichment & Cultural Capital

We are committed to providing a rich range of experiences beyond the classroom, including:

  • International trips and exchanges
  • Cultural projects and authentic materials
  • Film and literature study
  • Clubs and intervention sessions