Modern Foreign Languages
The Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department is an enthusiastic team of teachers who are passionate about language learning and developing cultural understanding. We have a wide range of teaching experience and have all lived abroad, using our languages fluently in a range of industries. The four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening are covered in all lessons, often using authentic texts and resources, and referring to cultural events. Being language teachers, we love to travel and offer extra-curricular activities and trips. In the past, we have visited France and Germany. Our languages team has experience of delivering trips to a wide range of destinations.
We understand and promote the benefits of studying a language to develop literacy and problem solving skills, confidence, communication skills, cultural understanding and also to contribute to students’ preparations for the world of work in an increasingly global age.
We believe in the importance of languages. We live in a multilingual, multicultural world.
ks3 mfl descriptors sept 2022.pdf
Key Stage 3
At Crispin, all students begin with learning French in mixed ability groups in Year 7, 8 and 9. In Years 8 and 9 students also study Spanish alongside French. The opportunity to study two languages is something that we are really proud of and is a particular strength of our school. We learn about important grammar such as the present, future and past tenses as well as giving and justifying opinions. Students learn about Spanish and French speaking countries and the main cultural events which take place in the Hispanic and Francophone calendar. Modules include: family and pets, free time, technology, last weekend, home, town and local region, holidays, and school and future plans. The Key Stage Three curriculum is designed to develop students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of language learning as well as to prepare them for GCSE success.
Key Stage 4
Most students study French or Spanish at GCSE. Some students choose to become dual linguists and take both French and Spanish. Many of our students have continued to study languages at A level. We have also facilitated native speakers to achieve GCSE qualifications in Dutch, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish.
ks3 mfl descriptors sept 2022.pdf
AQA GCSE French / Spanish
The four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening are assessed with equal weighting (25%). Translation is also assessed within these exams. Students are awarded with a grade 9-1 and there are two tiers (foundation and higher).
There are three main themes:
Theme 1: Identity and Culture
- Me, my family and friends
- Technology in every day life
- Free time activities
- Customs and festivals in French and Spanish speaking countries / communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Social issues
- Global issues
- Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
- My studies
- Life at school/college
- Education post-16
- Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Team building games with our friends from Notre-Dame de Gravenchon, France.Last Updated: September 2022
