Modern Foreign Languages

Head of Department: Mrs A Scott

Our approach to the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum

St Mary’s College has an inclusive approach to language teaching; all pupils study a language in Key Stage 3 and in Key Stage 4 almost all do a GCSE in at least one language. Through learning a language, children are introduced to another culture and learn to respect other ways of life. This celebration of diversity fosters tolerance and openness and therefore plays an important role in the Catholic ethos of the school and the wider education of the child.

Our Learning Journeys:

• Learning Journey: German
• Learning Journey: Spanish
  
• Learning Journey: French
  

Key Stage 3

Students in Year 7 will either study French, German or Spanish, depending on the languages offered that year. We operate a rotation system, in which the current Year 7s are studying French or German and next year’s Year 7 will study French or Spanish. Students study a variety of topics such as Hobbies, Personality and Likes & Dislikes so that they gain a basic understanding of vocabulary and grammar needed for the GCSE course.

Key Stage 4

All students will study at least one language 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.

Key Stage 5 (16-19 qualifications)

Students study AQA French, German or Spanish A Level. The course involves the comprehensive study of a film and a book as well as an in-depth study of the countries and cultures of the language they have chosen to study. Students develop their understanding of the culture and customs of their chosen language and increase their capacity to communicate fluently in the foreign language.

How you can find out more about the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum:

Syllabus materials KS4/KS5 : https://aqa.org/subjects/langu...

Faculty Leader contact: ascott@smchull.org