INTENT

The primary aim of the French and Spanish GCSE curriculum is to develop students' linguistic abilities and cultural understanding, preparing them for further language study and global citizenship. The curriculum is designed to:

• Foster a love for languages and appreciation for French and Spanish-speaking cultures.
• Develop the ability to communicate effectively in French and Spanish, both orally and in writing.
• Enhance listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills through diverse and authentic materials. This encourages respect by promoting respectful communication and interactions both within the classroom and in broader cultural exchanges.
• Equip students with the skills to understand and respond to spoken and written French and Spanish in various contexts.
• MFL encourages students to be resilient by completing challenging language tasks which promote a growth mindset.

Asking students to take responsibility for their learning through independent practice. For example, accessing online platforms. This includes access to language learning apps and websites for additional practice.

• Prepare students for the Edexcel GCSE examinations, ensuring they meet the required proficiency levels.

IMPLEMENTATION

The curriculum is structured in a spiral format whereby topics are repeated in greater depth throughout the key stage. Prior learning is built on by the acquisition of new vocabulary, grammar and language skills. This will embed in into a student’s schema over time.

Through the following methods, new vocabulary and grammar is introduced,

• Skill Integration: Lessons will integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, ensuring a balanced approach. Students will be engaged by the dynamic and interactive learning environment that stimulates interest and enthusiasm for language learning.
• Grammar Focus: Emphasis on grammar and vocabulary acquisition through targeted exercises and contextual usage. This empowers students by fostering independence in learning through access to diverse resources and self-directed study opportunities.
• Cultural Exposure: Inclusion of cultural studies through films, literature, music, and interactions with native speakers. Students learn an appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives within French and Spanish-speaking communities. Through this format we will encourage students to express ideas and opinions, providing a foundation for confident and spontaneous communication.

The structure is as follows:

KS3

Year 7

French	Spanish
Describing oneself and others	Describing oneself and others
Describing school life	Describing hobbies and interests
Describing interests and hobbies	Describing school life
Describing where I live	Describing my family and friends
Describing holidays	Describing where I live

Year 8

French	Spanish
Describing media – tv, film, reading	Describing my holidays
Describing tourism in Paris	Describing media – tv, mobile phones and music
Describing my style, friends and music	Describing mealtimes and food
Describing home and mealtimes	Describing social time
Describing celebrities and talent	Describing holidays

Year 9

French	Spanish
Describing social media	Talking about tv, film and celebrities
Describing healthy lifestyles	Describing different Careers
Describing careers	Describing health lifestyles
Describing holidays	Describing human rights and environmental issues
Describing my rights and priorities

Year 10

French	Spanish
Media and technology	Media and technology
My personal world	Travel and tourism
Studying and my future	My personal world
Lifestyle and wellbeing	Lifestyle and wellbeing

Year 11

French	Spanish
Travel and tourism	Studying and my future
My neighbourhood	My neighbourhood
Environmental issues	Environmental issues

Teaching Strategies

Lessons are interactive. The is the use of interactive and engaging teaching methods such as role-plays, group discussions, and multimedia resources. There are two types of assessment. The first is Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes, oral presentations, and written assignments to monitor progress and provide feedback. Students evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and reflect on what could be improved next time. There are also summative assessments: Mock exams and end-of-term tests to prepare students for the final GCSE examinations.

Resources

• In the lessons we use textbooks and workbooks which are aligned with the Edexcel syllabus.
• Teachers also use multimedia resources such as audio-visual materials to enhance listening and comprehension skills.

IMPACT

The effectiveness of the curriculum will be measured through:

• Student Progress: Regular tracking of student performance through formative and summative assessments.
• Exam Results: Achievement of high grades in the Edexcel GCSE examinations, reflecting the proficiency of students in French and Spanish.
• Student Engagement: Increased participation in class activities and extracurricular language programs.
• Language Proficiency: Improved fluency and confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French and Spanish.
• Cultural Appreciation: Enhanced understanding and appreciation of French and Spanish-speaking cultures.
• Future Opportunities: Preparation of students for further language studies and career opportunities in a globalised world.

Regular reviews and updates to the curriculum will be conducted based on student feedback and assessment outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with educational standards and goals.

Careers

The MFL department has made links with GCHQ who have demonstrated how a qualification in MFL could be used. Other career pathways using languages are:

• Academic researcher
• Diplomatic service officer
• English as a foreign language teacher
• Intelligence analyst
• International aid/development worker
• Interpreter
• Political risk analyst
• Secondary school teacher
• Translator