Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
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The Modern Foreign Languages Department
Director of Learning of MFL - Mrs C Casey
Head of Department - Miss C Rogers
Context
The MFL department consists of four specialist teachers who are passionate about language learning. The department has three dedicated language learning classrooms and the department all work together to foster a love of language learning and different cultures within each class.
Curriculum
The majority of learners at Longdendale High School study a language from year 7, where their language learning is split between French and Spanish during this year. At the end of year 7, learners will pick which language they will study for the remainder of their time at Longdendale. learners in all year groups study topics that feature on the GCSE examinations at the end of year 11. During years 7 and 8 learners study the basic grammar and vocabulary linked to each topic, which provides them with a strong foundation to build on at GCSE. Within each class, learners develop the four key skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking equally as each skill is worth 25% of their final GCSE grade.
Assessment
At the end of each topic, learners sit an assessment in one of the four key skill areas of listening, reading, writing or speaking. Their progress is tracked throughout the year across all four skills so that learners are able to see which skills they need further help and support with and equally, they are able to see which skills are their strongest.
Home Learning
learners will receive at least one piece of home learning per week. Usually this will be vocabulary or grammar learning however at times, written pieces may be set.
Afterschool Sessions
The MFL department try to be as flexible as possible with afterschool sessions. Should learners wish to book in afterschool sessions with their teachers, they are able to do so at a time that fits in with other afterschool sessions they may attend elsewhere in school.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enrichment in the MFL department starts straight away in September with activities to celebrate the European Day of Languages. We also invite travelling theatre companies to perform in either French or Spanish for year 7 and 8 classes. At the beginning of GCSE, we also have the Spanish Exchange and the French trip to Normandy where learners are able to develop their language in ‘real life’ scenarios.