Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Aim & Intent
Aim
The aim of the MFL curriculum is to develop students’ ability to communicate confidently and effectively in a foreign language through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It also seeks to foster an appreciation of different cultures and promote global citizenship.
Intent
The Modern Foreign Languages department aims to provide students with a strong foundation in phonics, vocabulary, and grammar, enabling them to apply their language skills in various contexts and develop a deeper understanding of how language functions. Our teaching approach is guided by research and shaped by practical experience.
The department is dedicated to building cultural capital in our students by fostering their ability to communicate in different languages and encouraging an appreciation of cultural diversity.
Key Stage 3:
Our scheme of work at KS3 is built around the core principles of phonics, vocabulary, and grammar. We place a strong emphasis on the introduction, practice, and reinforcement of phonics throughout Years 7 to 9. Vocabulary is introduced gradually, with a clear focus on the 2,000 most frequently used words. A solid foundation in grammar is central to our approach, ensuring students develop into confident and capable language learners.
Key Stage 4:
At KS4, we build on the knowledge and skills students have developed during KS3. Our curriculum reinforces prior learning through planned opportunities to revisit high-frequency vocabulary while also deepening topic-specific knowledge in preparation for GCSE assessments.
Key Stage 5:
KS5 continues the students’ modern foreign languages journey with an exploration of topics rooted in the culture of German- and French-speaking countries. Students continue to develop their listening, reading, writing, speaking, and translation skills. Additionally, they engage in more advanced analytical work, including an independent research project that fosters deeper cultural and linguistic understanding.
At KS3 we offer French and German on a rotating yearly system. Spanish is offered as an ab initio course at GCSE level.
Brief Overview of Curriculum Content for Each Term
Autumn term Spring Term Summer Term Yr 7 French - Introducing the verbs avoir and être
- Using adjectives in French
- Describing people and things
- Introducing the verb faire
- Describing what people do using the verb faire
- Using the present tense with ‘er’ verbs
- Introducing the verb aller
- Describing where people go using aller
- Using regular ‘re’ verbs
Yr 7 German - Describing things using sein
- Introducing the verb haben
- Present tense verb endings
- Forming plurals
- Expressing opinions
- Talking about what peope do
- Using time phrases
- Talking about family
- Using modal verbs
- Future plans
Yr 8 French - Using the negative
- Introducing the future tense
- Using irregular adjectives
- Forming questions
- Using possessive adjectives
- Discussing celebrations
- Using je vais aller for future plans
- Introducing the past tense
Yr 8 German - Talking about recent activties
- Likes and dislikes
- Using the past tense
- Comparing now and then
- Talk about what we like and prefer doing
- Contrasting past and current actions
- Talk about where things are located
- Describing attitudes
- Talking about future plans
Yr 9 French - Using 3 tenses
- Making adjectives agree with nouns
- Talking about holidays
- Using adverbs
- Discussing jobs and future plans
- Discussing school and educations
- Talking about family and friends
- Discussing free time and hobbies
Yr 9 German - Talking about actions in the present
- Talking about childhood experiences
- Everyday routines
- 2 verb structures (modals)
- Describing people and things
- Talking about past events
- Answering questions
- Giving reactions
- Using prepositions
Yr 10 French - Free time activities
- Social media
- Family and relationships
- Festivals and traditions
- School and education
- Healthy living and lifestyle
Yr 10 German - School and education
- Free time and hobbies
- Family and relationships
- Festivals and traditions
- Healthy living
Yr 10 Spanish - TBC
- TBC
- TBC
Yr 11 French - Holidays
- Environment
- Describing where you live
- Future plans and careers
- Exam preparation
Yr 11 German - Describing where I live
- Holidays and travel
- Environment
- Social issues
- Jobs and careers
- Exam preparation
Yr 11 Spanish - TBC
- TBC
- Exam preparation
How Our Curriculum Caters For SEND Students
How does our Curriculum cater for students with SEND?
Our MFL curriculum is inclusive and adaptable, ensuring all students, including those with SEND, can access and enjoy language learning. We use a range of multisensory teaching strategies, clear routines, and scaffolded tasks to support understanding. Phonics, vocabulary, and grammar are introduced in small, manageable steps with frequent revisiting to aid retention.
Differentiated resources and targeted support are used where needed, and we work closely with the SEND team to apply strategies from individual learning plans. Our aim is to build confidence and ensure every student feels successful in their language learning journey.
How Our Curriculum Caters For Disadvantaged Students
How does our curriculum cater for disadvantaged students and those from minority groups?
Our MFL curriculum is inclusive and designed to ensure equity of access and opportunity for all students. We focus on high-frequency vocabulary and phonics to help close gaps in language and literacy, particularly supporting disadvantaged learners. Lessons are carefully scaffolded, and we provide additional support through targeted interventions and digital learning tools.
We also celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity within our school community. Many students are given the opportunity to take a GCSE in their home or heritage language, which values their background and boosts confidence. Through diverse cultural content and a focus on global citizenship, we ensure students from minority groups feel seen, valued, and empowered in their language learning journey.
Knowledge Organisers
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