About Our Subject
As we singularly live at a time defined by globalisation, we are more than ever coming across other cultures, peoples, and languages. At Oldbury Wells, we believe it is essential that we equip our students with the tools to approach those situations whilst showing an ability to reflect on our own specificities and values. With the world being at a click at a button, we also want to make sure our students are provided with the right education to make the most of the opportunities at hand.Â
The MFL department offers two languages which are French and Spanish, thus offering continuity of education from most local schools. Students either study French or Spanish depending on their year of entry for 4 hours a fortnight in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9.
Throughout key stage 3, students will develop their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills by communicating about their personal sphere, their environment and the world.
Our students choose their options in Year 9 and are highly encouraged to continue with a language for their GCSEs.
At KS4, we follow the AQA GCSE 9-1 course which revolves around the teaching of three themes:
- Theme 1: Identity and Culture;
- Theme 2: Home, Town, Neighbourhood and Region;
- Theme 3: Current and Future Study, and Employment.
Students study French or Spanish for 5 hours a fortnight. Both French and Spanish GCSE exams are divided into 4 separate exams which assess the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each skill accounts for 25% of the final grade and students will either be entered for the Foundation or the Higher tier in all four skills.
In MFL, our large designated classrooms enable us to create a sense of immersion in the language and provide us with plenty of space to conduct interactive speaking activities. Our department is committed to instil a love of learning and of languages through engaging lessons using interactive whiteboards. Our access to IT rooms enables us to vary learning experiences and allows students to access authentic material and additional support or extensions. The MFL department is also well resourced in dictionaries for both languages so we can provide support and challenges whilst developing students’ literacy skills and independence.
