Our Curriculum Intent

The MFL Curriculum at CCSC covers the five years from Year 7 to Year 11 and each year builds on and recaps the learning from the previous year’s learning. Our ‘Learning Journeys’ show pupils how each stage links logically into the next.

All of our languages programmes have recently been updated to reflect changes in the way pupils learn and to incorporate the school-wide programme of recap, review and a solid focus on Crucial Knowledge. This aims to give pupils the best chance of success in their future careers. 

In MFL, our approach to teaching and learning aims to help and support our pupils to

“Know more” by tailoring learning to each group and pupil.
“Remember more” by regularly recapping past topics and focusing on Crucial Knowledge and using Assessment for Learning to gauge recall.
“Understand more” by demonstrating that they know how the language works in context.
“Apply learning” by manipulating and using the language they remember in both written and spoken form across a range of authentic contexts.

Key Stage 3 Courses

Year 7 and 8 follow a unit-based course written by the department with additional specialist resources from other language-teaching professionals to embed the learning.

The course covers levels 1 to 9 overall and the main emphasis being on communication, topic vocabulary and retention of Crucial Learning. Grammar is restricted to the essentials in favour of cultural exploration. Assessments are based on the Crucial Knowledge that ‘sticks’ and is retained by pupils. Some assessments mirror the GCSE format to prepare pupils for similar assessments on entering KS4.

Key Stage 4 Courses

Following the school decision to adopt the shortened Key Stage 3 model, students begin their GCSE courses in year 9. The department currently uses the AQA Linear GCSE course which consists of equal weight across all disciplines: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing. The GCSE course builds and extends upon the key areas of MFL studied in Key Stage 3 and also covers age appropriate and interesting topics across the three themes of the New AQA GCSE qualification.

The overall aim is to help pupils to communicate using a level of language that is appropriate to their stage of learning and not to be too prescriptive.

Key Stage 4 Options

Pupils in Year 9 have the option of taking on another GCSE language. Our GCSE Italian and German programmes are very successful and we are pleased to now offer French as an option which pupils will study alongside their core language (Spanish).

Lessons

The department takes pride in delivering high quality, stimulating lessons which are tailored by each teacher to the group and the pupils they are teaching. This means that our pupils are supported in learning the language that will help them be successful in their exams and beyond. There are good relationships between staff and pupils and a positive working atmosphere in lessons. Pupils have 2 hours of lessons in Year 7 & 8, 3.5 hours in Year 9 and 4 hours in Years 10 & 11 and we also set a range of independent Crucial Knowledge tasks for pupils to complete outside of the classroom. All MFL classrooms are equipped with large flatscreen televisions and wireless access to the school network and internet. Pupils across the school have their own iPads for use in lessons and there are additional computer facilities are available in the ICT suites.

Groups

Pupils are taught in ability sets for MFL where possible in all year groups, and lessons are planned and delivered accordingly. As a department we use collaborative planning meaning that one teacher will take responsibility for preparing resources for a year group. It is then the responsibility of individual teachers to adapt these to suit the pupils they are teaching. 

Assessment

At the beginning of the year, we give our pupils their ‘aspirational’ target grades so they know what their personal target is and throughout the year we update them about their progress.

Assessment for Learning is integral to all lessons – this is where teachers ‘test’ pupils recall of the Crucial Knowledge by asking targeted questions. Regular marking with constructive oral and written feedback helps pupils to identify strengths and areas for development and how to make progress.

Each year group has at least one set of formal examinations in the hall as well as half termly assessment tasks across the 4 disciplines.

Extra-Curricular Activities

There is a weekly languages support session open to all pupils, which takes place after school for KS3 and KS4 pupils. This year, we will include Spanish, French, Italian & German. GCSE students also have the opportunity to attend extra classes after school and study days prior to their exams.

For further information about French please visit the official course website by clicking THIS LINK.

For further information about Italian please visit the official course website by clicking THIS LINK.

For further information about Spanish please visit the official course website by clicking THIS LINK.

For further information about German please visit the official course website by clicking THIS LINK