Modern Foreign Languages

“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”

Charlemagne

 

Vision

An exciting curriculum which develops open-minded individuals, promotes an understanding of cultural differences, and enables students to unlock their potential and communicate with the wider world.
A skills-based curriculum which raises aspirations so that all students feel challenged in their learning and develop into confident, resilient, independent learners.

 

What you can expect studying MFL at Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College

In today’s world, languages can really open doors for you; knowing a foreign language can transform your travel experiences, help you to discover new cultures and even help you to better understand your own language.

In your MFL lessons, you will follow a speaking and writing pathway which will help you to master key structures so that you can communicate effectively and confidently. You will be exposed to a knowledge-rich curriculum which embeds grammar and phonics, as well as a deep cultural understanding, so that you understand what it means to be French or Spanish.

 

Key Stage 4 – GCSE Curriculum

At GCSE, we follow the AQA GCSE in French and Spanish.  This is a multi-skill GCSE that incorporates four units: listening (25%), speaking (25%), reading (25%) and writing (25%).

In line with the course requirements, students will further develop the skills they fostered at KS3, so that they are able to listen and respond to different types of text, communicate in speech and writing for a variety of purposes, use and understand a range of vocabulary and structures, and understand and apply the grammar of the language.

Students study a wide range of topics from three broad themes:

  • People and lifestyle
  • Popular Culture
  • Communication and the world around us

Students also explore a variety of authentic materials to develop their creativity including literary texts such as the poetry and extracts from novels, as well as being exposed to the history of the country of the language they are studying. 

 

How we assess at KS4

Students are assessed via three external examinations at the end of Year 11 in the skills of listening, reading and writing.  The written paper tests students on their ability to communicate accurately in writing for a variety of purposes, showing an ability to manipulate grammar and translate accurately into the target language.

The reading and listening papers require students to demonstrate understanding and respond to a range of written and spoken language.  Tasks for these papers include translating short texts from the target language into English, reading and responding to a range of text types including literary texts and completing discrete grammar tasks.

Students will complete their speaking exam with their class teacher during the summer exam period.  The exam consists of a short role-play task, a reading aloud task with follo-up questions, a discussion based on a photo stimulus and general conversation on topics covered in lessons.

 

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Students have access to a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities in MFL including:

Trips to Paris and Madrid

Academic...