Modern Foreign Languages.

 

Vision / Intent:

At Holywell School, we aim to deliver a rich and inspiring languages curriculum, giving every student the chance to understand and communicate in a foreign language. We believe that learning a language opens doors to new experiences, broadens horizons, and provides essential insights into other cultures.

In our core curriculum, all students study French or German, with the opportunity to explore a second language through our Options structure. Enrichment activities further develop cultural knowledge and life skills, helping students build confidence and ambition.

Our goal is to ignite a passion for languages, equipping students with the skills and curiosity to succeed in school, work, and life on a global stage.

 

Approach / Philosophy / Implementation:

Learning French / German at Our School

Learning a foreign language gives students valuable educational, social, and cultural experiences. It helps them communicate for practical purposes, gain insight into other cultures, and develop a foundation for further study or work abroad.

Our French / German curriculum is designed to spark curiosity about language and culture while building confidence in communication. Students focus on three core strands:

• Phonics: understanding the relationship between sounds and spelling                                                                                                                      
• Vocabulary: learning the most commonly used words                                                                                                                                                                                           
• Grammar: building simple sentences independently

 

 

Through listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students develop linguistic competence and explore how languages work. They also gain cultural knowledge, developing a broader perspective on the world and their own place in it.

 

Assessment
Students are continuously assessed on the knowledge they are taught in lessons, whenever they are called upon to understand and/or produce language, without reference to resources.  Periodically they complete achievement tests in phonics, vocabulary and grammar covering all skills, i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing, which assess the specific knowledge they have been taught. 

Equal Opportunities

Teaching modern foreign languages is a vital way to directly address student perceptions and potential stereotypes. It allows us to actively promote positive attitudes and values towards cultural and or religious diversity and to directly tackle any form of cultural and negative stereotyping.

Key Stage 2

At KS2, students learn either French or German, building a solid foundation in the key skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Lessons are carefully planned to make learning enjoyable and accessible for all pupils, with regular practice of core vocabulary, phonics, and simple grammar. Activities are sequenced to reinforce understanding and give pupils plenty of opportunities to develop confidence and independence in using the language.

We also encourage pupils to explore other cultures, fostering curiosity about the world beyond their own experiences. Our aim is to nurture a love of languages so that pupils leave KS2 motivated and ready to continue their chosen language into KS3.

Key Stage 3

By continuing the same language into KS3, pupils benefit from a smooth transition, building on the skills and confidence they developed at KS2. At this stage, learning focuses on increasing proficiency and creative use of the language across speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Our structured, research-informed curriculum provides systematic practice in high-frequency vocabulary, phonics, and grammar, with opportunities to revisit and deepen understanding.

Beyond language skills, KS3 pupils are encouraged to engage more deeply with other cultures and develop a broader understanding of the world. Our goal is to inspire enthusiasm for languages and equip pupils with the confidence and curiosity to continue learning, preparing them for further study and a future in a global society.

Key Stage 4

At KS4, students engage with a curriculum designed to enhance their language skills and cultural awareness. The curriculum is structured into thematic units that align with the Edexcel GCSE specifications, ensuring a comprehensive approach to language learning. Units such as "My personal world," "Studying and my future," and "My neighbourhood" provide a context-rich framework for students to apply their language skills in real-world scenarios.

Curriculum Highlights:

• Thematic Units: Each unit focuses on specific themes, allowing students to explore topics in depth and develop a nuanced understanding of the language and its cultural contexts.
• Grammar and Vocabulary Development: The curriculum emphasizes the systematic practice of high-frequency vocabulary and grammar, building upon the foundations laid in earlier key stages.
• Cultural Exploration: Students are introduced to various cultural aspects, including traditions, lifestyles, and societal issues, fostering a broader global perspective.
• Skills Integration: The curriculum integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, promoting holistic language development.

 

GCSE French

What is GCSE French?

Knowledge of French is not just another GCSE grade – it is a concrete and demonstrable life skill, like being able to drive a car or touch-type, and it is a skill highly-valued by employers. French is spoken on five continents, in over 40 countries, including two G8 countries, it’s one of the six official languages of the UN, and it’s one of the most common languages found on the Internet. Studying French will not only develop your language skills, it will improve your social skills, expand your cultural knowledge, and allow you to experience a sense of achievement.

What skills will I develop?

GCSE French teaches you communication skills, adaptability and cultural awareness. Learning how to interact with speakers of another language means you are less likely to be stuck in one mode of thinking.  It can help you see things from a range of perspectives, develop your problem-solving skills, and make you more adaptable, resourceful and creative. Learning French, you will develop language-learning skills both for immediate use and to prepare you for further language study and use in school, higher education or employment.

What syllabus will I follow?

We follow the Edexcel syllabus for French. The objective of the Edexcel course is to enable pupils of all abilities to develop their confidence and language skills in a variety of contexts.

What will the course look like?

Assessment is set in the context of these themes.

•                          My personal world

•                          Lifestyle and wellbeing

•                          My neighbourhood

•                          Media and technology

•                          Studying and my future

•                          Travel and tourism

How will I be assessed?

The course is 100% final exam and each skill area (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be worth 25%. Skills are assessed at Foundation (grades 1-5) or Higher Tier (grades 4-9).

What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?

There are many opportunities to travel or work with organisations abroad where some knowledge of French is a clear advantage: interpreter, teacher, translator, journalist, sales executive, marketing executive, tour manager, editor to name but a few!

The range of combined degrees and further education courses involving French is limitless – from accountancy to theatre studies with French. Many universities even offer funding for students to continue or extend their French knowledge by travelling or working abroad during the long vacations

If I need additional support, what can I access?

It is extremely important for pupils to have access to a bilingual dictionary and/or reference material on the internet to assist them with language homework. Revision guides are also available and class teachers will inform you about support sessions.

 

GCSE German

What is GCSE German?

Knowledge of German is not just another GCSE grade – it is a concrete and demonstrable life skill, like being able to drive a car or touch-type, and it is a skill highly-valued by employers. Germany remains the largest single export market for British goods outside of the USA, and Europe's largest economy – with a GDP of more than €3.5 trillion – continues to defy the Eurozone downturn. With three German-speaking countries, it is also Europe’s second most-spoken language. With this in mind, it's no surprise that UK companies want to hire employees who know their umlauts from their eszetts. Studying German will not only develop your language skills, but it will also improve your social skills, expand your cultural knowledge, and allow you to experience a sense of achievement.

What skills will I develop?

GCSE German teaches you communication skills, adaptability and cultural awareness. Learning how to interact with speakers of another language means you are less likely to be stuck in one mode of thinking.  It can help you see things from a range of perspectives, develop your problem-solving skills, and make you more adaptable, resourceful and creative. You should develop language-learning skills both for immediate use and to prepare you for further language study and use in school, higher education or employment.

What syllabus will I follow?

We follow the Edexcel syllabus for German. The objective of the Edexcel course is to enable pupils of all abilities to develop their confidence and language skills in a variety of contexts.

What will the course look like?

Assessment is set in the context of these themes.

•                          My personal world

•                          Lifestyle and wellbeing

•                          My neighbourhood

•                          Media and technology

•                          Studying and my future

•                          Travel and tourism

How will I be assessed?

The course is 100% final exam and each skill area (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be worth 25%. Skills are assessed at Foundation (grades 1-5) or Higher Tier (grades 4-9). The use of dictionaries is not permitted in any exam.

What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?

There are many opportunities to travel or work with organisations abroad where some knowledge of German is a clear advantage: interpreter, teacher, translator, journalist, sales executive, marketing executive, tour manager, editor to name but a few!

The range of combined degrees and further education courses involving German is limitless e.g. law, music, philosophy, history or English could all be combined with German. Many universities even offer funding for students to continue or extend their German knowledge by travelling or working abroad during the long vacations.

If I need additional support, what can I access?

You should have access to a bilingual dictionary, either online or in a paper version, at home. Your class teacher will inform you about revision guides and about support sessions offered.

 

Links to MFL Curriculum in detail

To see our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum in detail please open the documents below.

GCSE Modern Languages Curriculum

 

Department Members

Mrs D Morey                                                                             MFL Subject Leader

Mrs L Nowak Boccard                                                              French Teacher