Modern Foreign Languages Department
Head of Department = Mrs H Eckersley
Context
Our department consists of two specialist teachers who are passionate about inspiring young people. We want pupils to develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, to be able to express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently. Pupils will listen to and understand clear articulated speech and deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary. Through their learning pupils acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through using a range of authentic resources and develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where the target language is spoken. Pupils make appropriate links to other curriculum areas to enable deeper learning. Lessons develop language skills for both immediate use and travel and to prepare them for further language study and employment. No matter where your future may take you, whether in the UK or abroad, studying a Modern Language enhances your literacy and communication skills and makes you more employable
Curriculum
Through both Key Stages 3 and 4, we aim to develop pupil’s abilities to use Spanish for practical communication and to offer them an insight into the language, culture and civilisation of Spanish speaking countries. We strive to make language learning an enjoyable, relevant, successful and rewarding experience and seek to develop the key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The MFL Department adopt and construct a curriculum that is ambitious and designed to give all pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils and including pupils with SEND, the knowledge and cultural capacity they need to succeed in life. This follows the National Curriculum structure, ensuring the breadth, diversity and ambition required. The Modern Languages curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for not only examinations but future learning and employment. Our curriculum plays a vital role in contributing to the school’s vision of having Modern Languages at the heart of its curriculum.
There are three pillars which make up the MFL curriculum at Rayner Stephens High School:
Vocabulary, grammar and phonics. Amongst the three pillars we interweave topic areas to prepare pupils for their GCSE examinations and to build on their cultural capital. Our MFL curriculum aims to encourage students to:
- Develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing.
- Express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently.
- Listen to and understand clear articulated speech.
- Deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary.
- Acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through using a range of authentic resources.
- Develop awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where the target language is spoken.
- Be encouraged to make appropriate links to other curriculum areas to enable deeper learning.
- Develop language skills for both immediate use and travel and to prepare them for further language study and employment.
For curriculum guides, please visit our Curriculum by Year Group pages.
Assessment
Students in all year groups will complete formal assessments during each topic to assess their progress against the four main skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). GCSE Spanish has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series. Students are rigorously assessed on the four main skills in languages that carry an equal 25% weighting.
Enrichment Opportunities
Throughout the year a variety of exciting enrichment opportunities take place within the MFL Department. Competitions and authentic experiences will also take place such as European Day of Languages and the ‘Estación de tren’ experience for our feeder primary schools. In addition, we are always seeking opportunities to provide our students with extra-curricular activities related to cinema, theatre and music linked to Spanish, which is the language of study. Regular opportunities to spend time in Spain are also available with scope for student exchanges and yearly enrichment visits to Spain.
