Modern Foreign Languages

Curriculum Overview

Modern Foreign Languages

At Shaftesbury School, we aim for Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) to provide a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for pupils; preparing them to be global citizens in the wider world.

As a Languages Department we believe in the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum. The aim of the curriculum is to provide access to modern language learners of all abilities. Modern Foreign Languages are offered at KS3, KS4 and KS5 within the normal school day. Languages are compulsory at KS3 and 2/3 of our students take it at KS4. KS5 is optional. The department is also committed to the enrichment of other aspects of the school curriculum through MFL and International dimension initiatives.

Key Stage Three

  • In year 7 students take 5 lessons of French or Spanish per 2 week timetable. We contact the students in Year 6 and ask if they have a strong preference for one language or the other and we try to accommodate that preference.
  • In year 8 and 9 students continue with the language that they started in Year 7 for a further two years.
  • We aim to teach in an interactive and fun way, using iPads, ICT and other resources to use language in real life situations.
  • We use games, drama and project work to engage students at KS3.
  • We use the target language when appropriate and encourage students to use the same.
  • We use “Assessment for Learning” techniques to assess students’ progress.
  • We aim to keep students informed of the level at which they are performing and how they can improve to move up to the next level.
  • All the KS4 and KS5 groups benefit from 6th Form Foreign Language Intern support – students of French and Spanish A-Level who volunteer as speaking assistants to work with our students.

Key Stage 4

Students who study a language at GCSE study for 6 hours per fortnight. They have reserved time in ICT suites and for I pad usage. They will also work with our 6th Form Foreign Language Interns.

The Spanish GCSE group will have the option to attend our very popular and successful residential exchange with our link school in Jaen. In addition we are working hard to establish a link with a French school so that the French GCSE students can also benefit from taking part on a residential exchange.

Key Stage 5

Shaftesbury students can study French or Spanish at AS and A2 Level. They will be supported to plan and undertake foreign exchange visits, will use a variety of multi-media to support their work. A Level students of French and Spanish are also given the opportunity to work as language interns themselves. They usually support KS4 and KS5 classes.

We also enter students in Sixth Form examination for their mother tongue, and Shaftesbury School students have gained qualifications in Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Polish, Italian, Portuguese and German.

Extracurricular Activities

  • GCSE booster and masterclass sessions after school.
  • Language Celebration Days.
  • Residential exchange trip abroad to our partner school in Spain.
  • We also receive students from our links school during the year.

Contact Shaftesbury School

01747 854498

office@shaftesburyschool.co.uk




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