Modern Foreign Languages

Intent Statement

The Key Stage 5 MFL A level curriculum builds upon the language learning and skills embedded at GCSE. At Key Stage 5, students are exposed to a variety of authentic resources to improve their knowledge and skills in the language of study. It is our aim to support and challenge students of all abilities, using differentiated activities, resources and success criteria. We ensure that the teaching in Key Stage 5 develops students' grammatical and lexical competency providing a solid basis for transition to the skills required to study the language further at University and for use within the workplace. Students develop the ability to use the foreign language effectively for a variety of purposeful communication in both the written and spoken form. In addition to the study of the language, students will also develop their research and analytical skills, develop an appreciation for foreign film and literature, and also learn about other cultures and civilisations in the French/Spanish speaking world.

Resources

  • All MFL classrooms are equipped with an interactive white board.
  • Dictionaries and text books are provided for use in school, alongside the interactive ‘textbook’ of resources Kerboodle.
  • Students have access to iPads and headphones for independent listening practice.

A level Spanish and French

 

Course details

The AQA A level course builds upon GCSE in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, translation & grammar. Topics are interesting, varied and linked to current affairs in the French/Spanish speaking world. Topic studied include:

Social issues & trends:

  1. The changing state of the family
  2. The digital world
  3. Youth culture – fashion, trends, music & TV
  4. Immigration & racism
  5. Politics & history
  6. Cultural heritage

Artistic Trends:

  1. Art & architecture
  2. Festivals & traditions
  3. Cultural life – past & present

The study of one literary text or film

  • Spanish: La casa de Bernarda Alba - Lorca & Volver - Pedro Almodóvar (1945) - Text
  • French:  Kiffe Kiffe Demain - Faïza Guène & La Haine Mathieu Kassovitz (1995) - Film
 

Link to course specification - Spanish

Link to course specification - French

 

Assessment

Exam (2.5 hrs)

Listening. Reading & Translation in and out of the target language. 

50% of the

qualification

Exam (2 hrs)

Writing. One essay on the film studied and one essay on the book.

20% of the

qualification

Exam (21-23 mins)

Speaking. Speaking on one photo-card linked to a topic from the course and discussion of Independent Research Project

30% of the

qualification

Enrichment opportunities

Students experience university workshops on their chosen language of study, language speaking conferences & visits to the National Theatre for viewings of target language films and production of the plays being studied. Students are also kept informed of work experience opportunities abroad offered by external agencies, enabling the chance to live and work in the country where their language is studied

Student quotes

“Studying an A level language has really helped me improve my understanding of topical issues in the news and current affairs. It is not just about learning the language, but being able to hold conversations about real life issues too.” 

“I studied A level Spanish last year and really enjoyed our lessons, we try to speak as much Spanish as possible in class and with each other. I was also lucky enough to spend two weeks in Salamanca over the summer doing work experience. I loved it! I met new people and grew so much more confident with the language.” 

Progression

If students are seeking a career in interpreting or translating, then an A level language is a necessity. Studying a language also lends itself to a variety of industries and job opportunities in the fields of teaching, travel, tourism, business and marketing. Many of our MFL students take the subject further onto university. The A Level is diverse in the skills of researching, communicating orally, in writing, leading and taking part in discussion and debate plus the production of essays. The skills gained throughout the course are transferrable to many higher education courses and careers

Independent study

Students are actively encouraged to read the news, follow discussions online in the target language to keep up to date with current affairs and practice the vocabulary.  Students should also ensure they revise and practice key terms, new vocabulary and grammar points in study periods. 

Useful web-sites

Web address

Title

Brief description

www.languagesonline.org.uk

Languages online

Grammar and vocab based exercises and explanations.

www.languagesresources.co.uk

Languages resources

Power Points, worksheets and comprehensions based on all A level topics

www.quizlet.com   

Quizlet

Topic based vocabulary to learn, drill and self-assess.

 

Suggested Reading List

Spanish:

French:

El laberinto del fauno Guillermo del Toro (2006)-  Film

Les 400 coups François Truffaut (1959) - Film

 

Volver Pedro Almodóvar (2006) - Film

Au revoir les enfants Louis Malle (1987) - Film

 

Federico García Lorca La casa de Bernarda Alba - Play

Albert Camus L’étranger - Text

 

Silver School Mental Health Award