The Modern Foreign Languages Department is a successful department which continues to go from strength to strength, in terms of examination results and delivery of all aspects of the MFL curriculum. Our aim is to achieve the highest possible standards for ALL students to succeed, through the provision of a successful and enjoyable learning experience, within which students are provided with interesting and challenging learning activities to assist in the development of their Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing skills.

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Students learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.

Furthermore, through the study of a Modern Foreign Language, we aim to develop students’ ability to use the language effectively for the purposes of practical communication, both in this country and abroad. By way of offering insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken, we aim to develop students’ understanding of themselves, and their own culture and to encourage and foster positive attitudes towards foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages, as well as other cultures and civilisations.

Modern Foreign Languages Departmental Aims & Objectives

• To promote and reinforce the use of good literacy skills
• To develop independent learning and creativity, in students’ study of a Modern Foreign Language and also to reinforce their knowledge of English.
• To encourage effective learning, promoting learning skills of more general application.
• To provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.
• To promote creativity and confidence through the application for a variety of Teaching and Learning approaches. To recognise that children learn and discover their potential in many different ways and so to ensure lessons are stimulating and varied.
• To ensure progress is made and skills are developed in all students regardless of ability, age, gender, religion or ethnicity.
• To provide the NC entitlement for all students, review schemes of work, implement new ideas and approaches, develop teaching and learning styles and continue to enhance our bank of innovative resources to continue to share good practice.
• To select and create resources which are of benefit to all students.
• To promote enjoyment, understanding and confidence in students’ Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing skills, at all levels.
• To develop confidence and competence in communicating, at all levels.
• To develop students’ independence in thinking skills in the use of language across all four Attainment Targets, i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
• To provide a successful and enjoyable learning experience which may encourage learners to continue their study of a foreign language or embark upon the study of a new one.
• To develop students’ understanding of themselves, and their own culture.
• To encourage tolerance and a willingness to work together.
• To encourage positive attitudes to foreign language learning, and to speakers of foreign languages and to foster positive attitudes towards other cultures and civilisations.
• To develop the ability to use the language effectively for the purposes of practical communication, both in this country and abroad.
• To offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken.
• Specifically at GCSE level: to promote independence in their application of grammar and structures learnt, across Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing Skills; to provide opportunities to offer examination practice, revision guides and revision classes; to promote the subject with enthusiasm for students who will take the study of a MFL further.