Modern Foreign Languages

MFL Department Intent

Through our MFL curriculum at Sidmouth College we ensure that students develop and practise their knowledge of French or German across the three pillars of Phonics, Vocabulary and Grammar. Regardless of ability or background all students have an entitlement to experience the enjoyment of learning a language.

We therefore follow an engaging and culturally enriching curriculum which incorporates not only the four skills required for learning a language but also expands their cultural capital. Students will appreciate different customs and traditions through the exploration of film, music, video and trips.
 
Our intent is to instil confidence and enrich vocabulary thus developing oracy and widening horizons for all. Our pupils are independent and curious and have the skills and confidence to learn any language needed in their career or future study, or to read and watch content of their choosing in French or German.
 
All pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success at GCSE or to use the language successfully in a real-life situation. At Key Stage 4 we build on the strong foundation and enter the vast majority of pupils at Higher Level.  

Key stage 3

What do students study?
All students study French throughout Key Stage 3. Throughout the Key Stage our aim is to help students develop the confidence to use the language in a practical way. The topics covered are those that are relevant to students and enable them to talk about themselves.

Lessons are lively and practical and we help students develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. We also cover grammar and encourage students to use reference materials to help their learning and to become independent learners. A variety of revision, consolidation and extension activities help students to transfer language from one context to another and to adapt the language patterns they have learned. There is also support for those students who may feel less confident in their language learning.

How are students assessed?
In Key Stage 3, students are assessed as follows:

There are module assessments roughly every half term. Students are expected to complete a piece of work using the vocabulary, structures and grammar covered in that topic and also include elements from previous topics.

Students are given a level based on department assessment criteria and in line with the old national curriculum levels*. It is expected that students in year 7 will be working between Level 2 and Level 4 by the end of the year; in year 8 they will be working between Level 3 and Level 5 and in Year 9, between Level 3 and Level 7. 

*These could be changing, nationally

Assessment

Key stage 4

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Anyone who has enjoyed their French or German language lessons at Key Stage 3; anyone who wants to have a widely valued GCSE; anyone considering going to university; students wishing to achieve the English Baccalaureate qualification. Please note you can only chose French or German as an option if you studied French in Years 7 and 8.
 
EXAM BOARD, COURSE CONTENT & ASSESSMENT DETAILS
EXAM BOARD: AQA
 
COURSE CONTENT:  You will expand upon the work that you did at Key Stage 3, so many of the topics will be familiar to you.  The three themes on which assessment is based are :
 
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
 
Assessment:
All four languages skills will be assessed in the summer exam session of year 11.
There are no controlled assessments.
Students will be entered for either Foundation or Higher level.
 
Listening component (25%):
Understanding and responding to different types of spoken text. Half the answers are written in English, half are written in French or German
 
Speaking component (25%):
Communicating and interacting for a variety of purposes by completing one role play, one photo card discussion and one general conversation.
 
Reading component (25%):
Comprehension questions from authentic written text, and the completion of one translation task from French/German into English
 
Writing component (25%):
Three or four written tasks which could include a message, a bullet pointed list, a structured written tasks and one translation task from English into French/German
 
 
WHAT CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO POST 16?
Further study at A Level and then moving forward to a straightforward Languages Degree or a combination with such subjects as Business, Tourism, Computing, Psychology, Media, Film and Television, Performing Arts, Sport, Sociology, Education, Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources, Management, Health Studies, Geography, Mathematics, Art and Design, English, Philosophy, Law, Economics, Music, Journalism, International Relations, History, Archaeology, Engineering, Law.
 
FOR WHAT CAREERS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?
Business services, Central Government, Construction, Creative and Media, Engineering, Event Management , Financial Services, Medicine, Hotel and Catering Management , Land-based and Environmental Work, Local Government, Manufacturing, Marketing, Public Services, Retail, Teaching, Technology and Computer Gaming, Translation and Interpreting , Travel and Tourism, Voluntary and Charitable Sector, Law.