MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Our vision: To see the value in learning and speaking foreign languages; to develop an appreciation of cultures other than our own; to enjoy challenging ourselves to be the best linguist we can be; to engender a curiosity about the beauty of language.
The following principles underpin this vision:
• Develop social and communication skills to allow students to practice the speaking of the language.
• To master the vocabulary and grammar required to accelerate speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.
• To experience and learn about the culture of Spanish speaking countries.
Department Staff and Responsibilities
Miss E O’Donovan– T&L Coordinator MFL
Mr C Leonard – MFL teacher
Mr L Cozens – MFL teacher
Mrs K Helm – MFL teacher
SLT link: Mr G Calwell – Assistant head teacher, EAL lead and MFL teacher.
Key Stage 3 students have Spanish twice weekly whilst Key Stage 4 students have it three times per week. At GCSE, we study the EDUQAS syllabus.
KS3 purpose
For students to be able to:
1. Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources.
2. Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation.
3. Write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt.
4. Discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.
KS3 Scheme of work outline
Year 7: Phonics, describing themselves and others, school, Mexican culture, free time and food.
Year 8: Holidays in the past, holidays in the future, free time activities, Hispanic festivals, food and healthy living.
Year 9: Jobs and careers, future plans and aspirations, healthy lifestyle, Hispanic project, and ‘mi vida’.
KS4 purpose
1. In years 10 and 11, the three core knowledge strands (phonics, vocabulary, grammar) are retained, though the requirements of external examination.
2. Each lesson contains opportunities to practise the speaking of the language, revisit high-frequency vocabulary and practise paying close attention to the meaning and form of grammar structures.
3. Our learners will be able to make connections between sounds, words and sentences and they are exposed to, and as they produce ever more complex text.
4. Our students at the end of the course will have been provided with the foundations of language learning to encourage and foster an interest in learning further language and equipping students with skills to work or study abroad. Students will have a deep cultural understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
KS4 Scheme of work outline
Year 10: Following the Eduqas units 1-7 (myself and family, technology, healthy living, Spanish festivals, where I live, charity work, the environment).
Year 11: units 7-13 (Holidays, school, future jobs, university and careers).
To find out more about the activities of the MFL department, please visit the department’s Instagram page: @Bedfordmfl
Subject Intent and Learning Journey
The following link outlines what students will learn at each stage of their journey at Bedford in MFL. This includes the key knowledge, skills and concepts they will encounter through their exciting and aspirational journey in MFL.
MFL Curriculum Intent and Learning Journey