Our students are taught in mixed ability classes throughout KS3. Students follow a broad curriculum which is based around the Dynamo textbooks, supplemented with sequential phonics teaching and other resources delivered by experienced subject specialists. At the start of the students’ learning journey in MFL, we take time to focus on how to learn a language and encourage students to look for patterns in language as well as making links and identifying differences with English. We train students in the skills required for the new GCSE exams (reading aloud and transcription, in particular) whilst emphasising the importance of communication and accuracy where possible. At the same time we aim to convey our passion for the lifelong benefits of learning a language and discovering a different culture, way of life and way of thinking through embedding cultural capital within our classrooms. 

Students’ progress is regularly assessed informally in lessons via use of mini-whiteboards and retrieval tasks while there is a formal assessment each half term, focusing on a particular skills area to mirror the assessment framework for KS4. 

Prep is assigned via Google Classroom in accordance with the whole school prep timetable and is designed to be relevant and meaningful. It usually focuses on consolidation of prior learning via specific tasks linked to the four skills areas. It may also involve researching aspects of life in Francophone or Spanish speaking countries. 

The KS3 timetable for Modern Foreign Languages: 

Year 7: 
In year 7, all students have two one-hour lessons per week.  

Year 8: 
In year 8, all students continue to study French with three one-hour lessons per fortnight. Spanish is introduced as a second foreign language and all students have two one hour lessons per week. 

Year 9: 
In year 9, students express a preference for either French or Spanish and generally, the majority of students are able to study their preferred language throughout year 9.  All students study one language in year 9 with two hours per week of lessons. This allows time for students to gain confidence and consolidate their language skills in their chosen language as they make their decisions regarding GCSE options. 

Curriculum Maps

French

Spanish

For GCSE pupils can choose to study French, German* or Spanish and while we encourage all students to take a language GCSE as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, it is not compulsory. It is also possible to study both French and Spanish at GCSE. Our KS4 curriculum builds on the language skills and knowledge acquired in KS3.  

We teach the Edexcel specification and from September 2024, the course is built around the six thematic contexts below:  

• My personal world 
• Lifestyle and wellbeing 
• My neighbourhood 
• Media and technology 
• Studying and my future 
• Travel and tourism

Throughout the course, students learn to apply the 4 skills of speaking and writing, listening and reading in these different contexts through deepening their knowledge about how language works. We also encourage them to become more independent in their use of language and promote resilience through encouraging risk taking with language in a supportive classroom environment.

Students have five one hour lessons per fortnight. Lesson activities include a mix of retrieval tasks, pair and group speaking tasks, grammar teaching, listening tasks, reading comprehension, open and closed book writing tasks, as well as mini whiteboard and ipad games.

Prep is assigned twice per week via Google Classroom and will range from vocabulary learning, reading and listening tasks to exam skills practice 

An A level in French enables students to develop key life skills such as the ability to communicate effectively, express and justify opinions and gives an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. These are valuable and highly transferable skills which are highly regarded by universities and employers. 

We follow the AQA syllabus building on grammar and vocabulary learnt at KS4. The course covers social and current affairs topics in the Francophone world, as well as an in-depth study of a book and a film. Students develop fluency and spontaneity in speaking and writing. 

Students have four teaching hours per week plus a 1:1 conversation session with our dedicated language assistant to build confidence, fluency and to facilitate higher level discussion in preparation for the discussion elements of the speaking exam in particular. 

The course is examined via three exams at the end of year 13. There is one speaking exam and two written papers, one of the written papers incorporates listening and reading comprehension and summary tasks as well as translation while the second written paper focuses on the book and film studied and students write one essay on each.  

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• We aim to offer a cultural and language immersion trip for year 10 students alternate years to Spain and France. 
• We offer students the opportunity to work on creative translation and enter the annual Anthea Bell Translation Prize run by the Queen’s College, Oxford. 
• We host the Onatti Theatre Company who perform plays in French, German and Spanish specifically aimed at secondary school students 
• French A level students attend a study day at the British Film Institute focusing on contemporary French cinema. 
• French A level students are encouraged where possible to arrange their work experience week in a French-speaking country or company. 

* German is currently being phased out and the last cohort of students are currently in year 10 and will be sitting their GCSEs in summer 2026. After that, German will no longer be offered to students at St George’s.