MFL at Paulet
What do students learn in MFL in Key Stage 3?
In years 7 and 8, students learn both French and Spanish. At the end of year 8, students will choose which of those languages they will study in year 9 in preparation for GCSE.
Years 7 and 8 are based around the concept of a holiday abroad.
The students get ready for their holiday in year 7 by preparing their passport for customs and learning how to ask and answer important questions about themselves and their families.
The holiday takes place in year 8 with students learning how to use practical language such as ordering in a restaurant and writing a Tripadvisor review.
Year 9 lessons focus on thought-provoking questions spanning a number of topics (see table below). We investigate and discuss the questions to gain a deeper understanding which, in turn, enriches students’ knowledge of the world around them.
How do students learn in KS3 MFL?
MFL is a practical, interactive subject. Lessons will include aspects of all four key communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
MFL teachers use a variety of games and software to introduce and practice new vocabulary and grammar. Students can expect to work mostly in pairs or groups while learning French and Spanish.
Each student will have their own year 7 and year 8 support booklet which can also be found in the remote learning folder.
What topics are covered and when in each year group? What is the sequence of teaching?
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | |
| Autumn 1 | French: Classroom language, pronunciation and France and the Francophone world. | Spanish: Las vacaciones – describing a recent holiday and en el restaurante. | School life – questions based on school experiences such as, ‘Are school uniforms good?’ |
| Autumn 2 | French: All about me and Nöel en France. | Spanish: Travel agency and La Navidad en España. | Future plans – questions based on jobs and personal ambitions such as, ‘If you won the lottery, what would you do?’ |
| Spring 1 | French: All about me, my family and pets. | Spanish: Amazing v disastrous holiday and Tripadvisor review preparation. | Free time – questions based on personal interests such as, ‘Which activities would you like to try in the future?’ |
| Spring 2 | Spanish: Classroom language, pronunciation and Spain and the Hispanic world. | French: Las vacaciones – describing a recent holiday and en el restaurante. | Technology – questions based on technology such as, ‘What are the advantages of technology?’ |
| Summer 1 | Spanish: All about me. | French: Travel agency. | Home – questions based on home such as, ‘What would your dream house be like?’ |
| Summer 2 | Spanish: All about me, my family and pets. | French: Amazing v disastrous holiday and Tripadvisor review preparation. | Town – questions based on local area such as, ‘Where would you like to live when you’re older?’ |
How are students assessed in KS3 MFL?
Year 7 students are presented with real life scenarios such as passport control, describing something you have lost and reporting a crime. They are assessed on their ability to communicate in these scenarios.
Year 8 students are also faced with real life scenarios such as ordering in a restaurant, working as a travel agent and writing a Tripadvisor review. These cover all four skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Both year groups are also tested on grammar and vocabulary retention throughout the year. These are based on the home learning forms.
Home learning
Fortnightly home learning Microsoft quiz forms are set via Go4Schools. These forms are based on the vocabulary / grammar that is being covered in lessons at that time. Some forms may be revision / retrieval of prior learning and some forms may prepare students for upcoming learning.
Extra-curricular opportunities
Students are given the opportunity to take part in language events throughout the year including the European Day of Languages, Valentine’s Day and Eurodisco! Once travel restrictions are lifted and we know more about the Brexit transition in relation to school visits, we look forward to getting our trips to Paris and Madrid up and running once again. We can’t wait to get back to Disneyland and the Bernabéu Stadium!
Cultural capital
In year 7 students gain cultural capital through learning about: the geography of the world, the history of exploration and colonisation, how English has been influenced by other languages, Christmas in France, how to respond to information requests.
In year 8 they expand their cultural capital through learning about: how to book a holiday, understanding menus, discovering exciting places to visit, uncovering amazing celebrations and festivals, Christmas in Spain.
Students are also given a variety of opportunities to enjoy French and Spanish culture such as experiencing a continental breakfast and making crêpes!