Curriculum Intentions
Curriculum Intentions
The MFL department is committed to creating confident linguists who enjoy learning about languages and culture. Our ‘languages for all’ vision is at the heart of our curriculum and everything we do.
Our main aims are:
- To nurture an enjoyment of foreign languages
- To empower students for success in a language
- To encourage appreciation of different cultures
All students learn either French or Spanish, which they study from Year 7 to Year 11. Studying one language in depth enables them to be as confident as possible in that language. Additionally, we are pleased to offer German in KS4 as an option subject, encouraging students to study more than one language. French, Spanish and German are all offered in Sandbach College.
Throughout our ambitious curriculum we focus on our pupils’ self-confidence and ensure that they are building a solid understanding of language. Inclusion for all pupils is an important part of ‘Languages for All’, and our approach is both supportive and adaptive.
We go beyond the National Curriculum where applicable and teach not only vocabulary and grammar, but also how to build fluency, literacy, stamina and critical thinking. Lessons from Year 7 through to Year 13 are characterised by variety, by interactive and engaging activities, and extensive language practice in context.
In KS3 and KS4, we are proud of our use of Conti’s Extensive Processing Instruction. New content is modelled using sentence builders, is practised extensively, and then the sentence builder is relied upon less, as pupils begin to automatise the content. Our bespoke KS3 curriculum, which we have tailored to our students, leads to a KS4 curriculum which prepares students for the Edexcel GCSE.
As our students progress into KS5 we support them to develop their expertise in MFL. Our bespoke KS5 curriculum prepares students for the AQA A-Level. It includes topic-based lessons focussing on language, content, and fluency building, as well as a highly tailored programme of language study focussing on grammar, translation, and speaking skills.
At the heart of our vision and our ‘Languages for All’ approach is empowerment. This includes GCSE success, an enjoyment which inspires them to learn another language in future, going on to study languages at university, or developing a lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of the languages and cultures of other countries.
Curriculum Lead
Miss H O’Rourke horourke@sandbachhigh.co.uk
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3
Year 7
- Talking about yourself
- Describing your family
- Food and clothes
Year 8
- Free time
- Home life
- Holiday plans
- Describing your area
Year 9
- Daily life at home
- School
- Weekend activities
- Holidays
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4
Year 10
- Social Media and Gaming
- Music, TV and Film
- Sport and Weekend Activities
- Family and Friends
- Relationships and Identity
- Local Area and Activities
- Shopping
- Food and Drink
Year 11
- Travel Plans
- Holidays
- Environmental Issues
- School
- Future Plans
- Equality and Values
- Healthy Living
- Physical and Mental Wellbeing
- Revision
Key Stage 5
Key Stage 5
Year 12
- Theme 1: Aspects of French / German / Hispanic society
- Theme 2: Artistic Culture in the French-speaking / German-speaking / Hispanic world
- Study of a Target Language Film
Year 13
- Theme 3: Multiculturalism in French / German / Hispanic society
- Theme 4: Aspects of political life in the French-speaking / German-speaking / Hispanic world
- Study of a Target Language Novel
- Independent Research Project (NEA)
For further information on A levels at Sandbach College please visit the following pages:
Qualifications
Qualifications
At Key Stage 4 we adhere to the Edexcel GCSE in French, Spanish and German.
You can find more information about the specifications for French, Spanish and German on the Edexcel website.
At Key Stage 5 we adhere to the AQA A Level in French, Spanish and German.
You can find more information about the A Level specification for French, Spanish and German on the AQA website.
We are willing to aid students in preparing for GCSE examinations in additional languages which they speak at home. Please contact us for more information if you are interested.
Wider Curriculum
Wider Curriculum
We offer a range of regular weekly clubs and educational visits within the department, including opportunities to travel abroad. In addition to this we create opportunities through national and regional languages competitions which promote language learning and careers in MFL.
Recent examples have included:
- Spanish Trip / Exchange
- France Trip to Normandy / Paris
- MFL Film Club
- Deutsch club
- German Christmas Markets Trips
- Business Language Champions (GCHQ) Competitions
- Taster days at Girton College, Cambridge
- Lunchtime Drop-Ins
- Italian Enrichment in the College
Recent examples have included:
- Spanish Exchange
- German Exchange
- Normandy Residential
- MFL Film Club
- HOME Cinema Trips
- Business Language Champions (GCHQ) Competitions
- Escape Room Events
- Flash Fiction Competition
- German Olympiad Competition
- Taster days at Girton College, Cambridge
- Lunchtime Drop-Ins
- Italian enrichment option for our A Level students
Useful Links
Useful Links
Each year students will receive a new Sentence Builder booklet alongside their exercise book. These are an essential part of equipment for MFL lessons.
In addition to this, they will receive a log-in for www.sentencebuilders.com where all our school sentence builders can be found for reference if needed.
Additional websites that our students say they find useful are
5 tips to succeed in Modern Foreign Languages
- Practise often. Remember that languages are a skill which need regular practice outside of lessons as well as within lessons. Use some of the websites mentioned
above to practice the vocabulary, phonics or grammar that we have been learning in school.
- Be brave. Mistakes are part of the process in learning a language! Volunteer ideas, speak in the foreign language as much as possible, and have a go at extension work.
- Be curious. Why not have a go at extending your learning beyond the topics? You could look on streaming sites for fun TV shows, films or songs from the countries where the language is spoken. Duolingo can be a fun way to learn extra vocabulary in addition the topics we cover in school.
- Be organised. Keep your Sentence Builder or KS5 booklets close. Add extra vocab to the glossary sections when you come across new words in a lesson. Try to remember to use that word the next time you are doing some writing or speaking.
- Look for details. Actively think about the similarities between the language you are studying and words that you know in English. Make sure you always check your work to check for correct grammar and spellings.
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