Welcome to the MFL Department
- Mrs Magalie Rushmere - MFL Curriculum Leader
- Mrs Sam Sumner - Assistant Curriculum Leader, French and Spanish
- Miss Oliva Vale - Teacher of French and Spanish
What is MFL, and why is it important?
In MFL, students learn to understand and use French or Spanish effectively for the purposes of practical communication. We also aim to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries and communities that speak the chosen language, as learning a foreign language opens up students’ minds to other cultures. In addition, it has been proven to improve brain function, memory and cognition. Skills in another language improve communication and open up many doors for the future in both work and recreation. It improves students’ awareness of how language works and of their own knowledge of English.
What do students learn in MFL?
The principal objective of the course is to develop each student’s ability to use the French or Spanish language effectively for purposes of practical communication through both the spoken and written word. Each term has an overall topic, such as School or Leisure. Knowledge is built up over time and key skills are revisited across topics frequently. We choose topics in Year 7 that both cover more simple, common and essential verbs and vocabulary, as well as being topics that all students will be able to relate to and engage with.
More complex grammatical structures and in-depth topics, such as Environment or Social Issues are taught at KS4 after students have a solid understanding in the basic topics and skills. We also aim to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries and communities that speak the chosen language and encourage positive attitudes towards them.
Challenge and support in MFL
We challenge students by offering a broader range of vocabulary and grammar, by offering activities that require deeper thought and more complicated linguistic skills. We encourage study of the language beyond the classroom such as wider vocabulary learning and use of authentic resources.
We support students by providing lists of key vocabulary and grammatical concepts that students can refer to in lessons. Our displays also provide useful information that students can use in lessons.
How is MFL assessed?
We follow a yearly assessment overview. On a termly basis, all students are assessed on up to 4 MFL skills. Across the year, they will be assessed in each of the skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students are actively involved in the feedback process, so they are clear in their strengths and points for improvement, and they are given time to understand these.
Learning beyond the classroom
EE = Language Leaders (Y9)
KS4 Trips to Spain or France.
Home learning in MFL
Students’ home learning is predominantly online and uses different apps/sites/resources. Mini research projects are planned into the curriculum at different points.
Where can MFL lead?
Students will be able to go on and study French or Spanish at A level. Possible careers includ translation, interpreting, teaching, media and journalism, tourism, catering, business, administration, politics and many more as employers seek linguists not only for their language skills but also their problem-solving skills, their ability to communicate clearly, their open-mindedness and their understanding of other cultures.