Modern Foreign Languages Department

The MFL Department specialises in two modern foreign languages on a rolling rota basis.  These are French and Spanish. Pupils start language learning in Year 7, though there is considerable ground work covered in preparation for their start here in our feeder primary schools. Staff from the Academy are regular visitors to local primary school to support language learning at Key Stage 2.

The courses of study at the Academy provide students with all the necessary skills and practice to prepare them for GCSE examinations.  There is heavy emphasis on speaking skills from the outset.  Reading and listening skills are also developed in the initial stages of the courses, and writing skills are developed as pupils become more familiar with the language of study at Key Stage 3, and throughout Key Stage 4. There are also opportunities for learners to be involved in more interactive and applied activities outside the classroom. Lessons are designed to cover all 4 skills, as well as including interactive ICT based activities to enhance learning or gauge assessment of their learning.

Assessment at Key Stage 3 is via unit tests, and pupils are given a personal ‘progress tracker' so they can see their progress through the various levels of study.  At Key Stage 4 assessment is through formal examinations in listening and reading skills and Controlled Assessment assignments in speaking and writing skills. Studying a modern foreign language is becoming increasingly important at GCSE, as this qualification contributes to the English Baccalaureate, or EBACC - recognition of a more rounded education. This extra qualification is likely to be used as an entry requirement for 6^th form and university admission. French and Spanish are also offered in the 6^th Form - or Key Stage 5 - either as AS and A2 subjects for Advanced Level or as beginners' courses. We have had considerable success at GCSE and A Level in this Department and have contributed to qualifying students with university entrance requirements. One former pupil is currently at Birmingham University as an undergraduate in Modern Languages.

Language learners are encouraged to engage in personal research in their studies and homework. There is heavy use of internet based courses and activities, particularly at Key Stage 4. All courses of study and homework are listed on the school's VLE and we encourage parents to ensure that learners have access to a personal computer and a bi-lingual dictionary to support them in their learning. Homework is set weekly.

The MFL department has links with schools and other organisations in France and Spain.  Pupils are given the opportunity to correspond with ‘e-pals' sending emails via the internet to a similar school in Narbonne on the French south coast.   We also organise a short break to Paris during the holidays, which is offered to all pupils of the Academy.  We also have strong links with a school in Salford's twin town Narbonne in France. The Department in heavily involved in language and international link activities which contribute to the Academy's International School Award.

There are 4 full time teachers in the MFL Department who are all graduates in their specialist field. They bring to the classroom a range of personal experience of working and living abroad, which enriches language learning and brings passion and life to the subject.