Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Aims

In teaching MFL we aim to:

• develop every pupil within the subject to his or her maximum potential
• provide an enjoyable and stimulating language-learning experience across the ability range
• promote the effective use of the target language in both classroom and real-life situations
• develop the skills and attitudes necessary to facilitate further study of modern foreign languages
• further children’s awareness of the world, its peoples and its cultures.

Organisation

Head of Department – Mr R Walker

Our main language is French; all pupils study French in the Prep Department (Years 3 to 8) and are all taught by subject specialists. In Year 7, pupils also have the opportunity to learn a second language, choosing from either German or Mandarin.

Content

French

Our youngest pupils are taught almost entirely using oral techniques, and communication is a key feature of our teaching. As they progress through the School, pupils develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, and revisit topics covered in previous years, in greater depth. The programme of study in Years 3 to 6 has been designed to fulfil the aims of the QCA Schemes of Work for French in Primary Schools. In Years 7 and 8, pupils work towards developing the linguistic skills and knowledge essential for the French Common Entrance and scholarship examinations in Year 8.

Click here to view a copy of the ISEB Common Entrance Syllabus for French.

German

Children are taught by the Head of MFL and they follow the Common Entrance syllabus, using the ‘Stimmt’ textbook.  Children are encouraged to speak in the target language as much as possible. We use many interactive resources, including Quizlet and Linguascope to supplement their learning.  Pupils develop all four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in order to work towards a final Common Entrance examination at the end of Year 8.

Click here to view a copy of the ISEB Common Entrance Syllabus for German.

Mandarin

Children are taught by a native speaker and follow the Common Entrance syllabus using the ‘Secondary School Chinese’ textbook by Dragons, supplemented by many other resources including ‘Chinese Writer’, ‘Quizlet’ and ‘Linguascope’.  All four skills are developed, so that children can communicate by speaking and writing and have the ability to understand when listening and reading Mandarin Chinese.  Children take the Common Entrance examination at the end of Year 8.

Click here to view a copy of the ISEB Common Entrance Syllabus for Mandarin.

Language Clubs

We have Spanish and Mandarin clubs for children who wish to learn about these languages outside of the curriculum.

Technology

Advances in technology continue to have a significant impact on language teaching and learning. Using the School’s virtual learning environment, pupils access a wealth of software and subject-based websites, as well as using their ICT skills to produce projects, materials for display, and presentations, to illustrate their learning. Pupils benefit from technology within the classroom via interactive screens and whiteboards, which enable us to cater for a wide range of learning styles learning styles at the same time. Pupils in Years 6 to 8 are also able to use their individual iPads, accessing the multilingual keyboard and spell-checking facilities, as well as recording and listening to their work.

Trips and Events

Our annual Year 7 study and activity week takes place in the Spring Term, and is an integral part of our teaching programme. Pupils spend a week at the Château de la Baudonnière in Normandy, where they take part in a wide range of exciting activities, with the emphasis on language immersion.