Modern Foreign Languages (French)
Curriculum Intent
The intention of our MFL curriculum is to extend an interest for learning other languages. The introduction and study of the French language aims to support the development of student’s ‘culture capital’ as they become aware of similarities and differences between cultures.
The curriculum also supports the total communication approach, developing the skills of speaking and listening alongside those of reading and writing.
Our MFL curriculum has been designed to progressively develop skills in French and ensure children acquire a bank of vocabulary organized around topics. Development is ongoing as they build on previous knowledge from topics already studied.
Not all students will study MFL as for many at Heathlands, English is a second language in which they have much further development to master. (Most students are disapplied from MFL and extra time allocated to English). However, for some, the study of MFL opens the door to the full EBacc range.
Modern Foreign Languages (French)
Students who have well developed English language skills are given the opportunity in year 7 to learn another language through following an adapted KS3 Programme of Study for Modern Foreign Languages in French.
As they acquire new vocabulary and knowledge of grammar in French, they develop the ability to express ideas, facts and opinions orally and in writing. Students also expand their cultural knowledge by learning about French speaking countries.
The study of a language at KS3 is a foundation for those who might wish to study French at GCSE level in Key Stage 4. It also opens up a variety of future opportunities, such as communicating independently while visiting foreign countries and working over-seas as adults.
The National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages aims to develop the students’ ability to:
- Understand and respond to French from different sources.
- Communicate for practical purposes with increasing fluency and accuracy.
- Write at increasing lengths with correct grammar and vocabulary.
- Develop reading skills in a foreign language and support the love for reading.
- Acknowledge and respect other cultures.
Not all students at KS3 learn a modern foreign language. Some students are disapplied from this study and have additional time to focus on developing English Language, communication and literacy.
| Autumn 1 | Year 8 – À mon avis: Giving my opinion
Year 9 – Famille et copains: Revision and extension of family and home, present tense verbs |
| Autumn 2 | Year 8 – Ma journée: Describing daily routines
Year 9 – Le weekend dernier: Talking about what you did at the weekend (perfect tense with avoir) |
| Spring 1 | Year 8 – On va en ville: Describing places in a town
Year 9 – Pouvoir, vouloir, devoir: Talking about what you can, want to and should do. |
| Spring 2 | Year 8 – Miam! Miam!: Talking about food
Year 9 – Faire les magasins: Clothes and shopping (perfect tense with être) |
| Summer 1 | Year 8 – On s’amuse! Sports, games and hobbies
Year 9 – Revision and assessment |
| Summer 2 | Year 8 -Vive les vacances! Talking about holidays
Year 9 – Le monde: Countries, languages and travel. (using three time frames) |