Statement of Intent

The language curriculum at St Gregory’s, with Christ at the centre of living and learning, provides learners with a gateway to the world, enabling them to learn new ways of thinking, from communicating for practical purposes through to reading and appreciating the rich and diverse Culture in the language studied.

A high-quality, learner focused experience will ignite and inspire a passion for lifelong language learning, giving our learners the skills to become global citizens in an increasingly competitive world. 

This is achieved through understanding how language works, increasing their grammatical knowledge and vocabulary equipping them with the ability to form and articulate their own opinions and ideas, with opportunities to gain first-hand, authentic experience through language trips abroad.

Our students also increase their cultural capital in every single lesson as their teachers share with them relevant cultural facts and information related to a country where the language they are learning is spoken.

Purpose:

Teaching focuses on developing the breadth and depth of pupils’ competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, based on a sound foundation of core grammar and vocabulary starting in Y7.  Vocabulary acquisition is learnt through three key themes which include: identity and culture; local, national, international and global areas of interest; current and future study and employment. It will enable our pupils to understand and communicate personal and factual information that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, developing and justifying points of view in speech and writing, with increased spontaneity, independence and accuracy. The desire to deepen our pupils’ curiosity and love for languages will go beyond the confines of the classroom. It will provide suitable preparation for further study at A Level and beyond with the introduction of authentic materials from Y7 gaining in length and complexity as the pupils progress through the school.

-A01 LISTENING / A02 SPEAKING / A03 READING / A04 WRITING / A05 GRAMMAR

-CULTURAL CAPITAL

-RECEPTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE SKILLS

Cultural Capital

Teachers will regularly use authentic materials taken from the country of the target language, for example poetry, recipes and songs. MFL has a dedicated Year 7, 8 & 9 scheme of work on a study of a French or Spanish film in each year.

Giving languages a life beyond the text book and the classroom is vital for students growing up in an increasingly global and interconnected world. We have a variety of trips abroad including day trips and residential trips from Year 7 through to Year 13 allow students to be immersed in the day-to-day life in the country of the target language.

Throughout the year, students will learn about significant cultural events from where French/Spanish is spoken, this could include how the Epiphany is celebrated, the Day of the Dead and Bastille Day.

Literacy

To embed key literacy skills in the MFL curriculum at KS3, KS4, and KS5, we focus on building vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing through engaging texts and structured tasks. Speaking activities, such as conversations and role-plays, as well as listening activities enhance verbal articulation and comprehension. At KS3, there is an emphasis on core grammar, interactive phonics and cultural exposure. In KS4, we introduce more complex texts, extended writing, and oral presentations. By KS5, there is a focus on advanced literature, critical analysis, and sophisticated writing, alongside debates and authentic listening materials.