Modern Foreign languages

In the MFL department we want our students to have a positive experience and outlook on language learning through the lens of the IB Middle Years Programme. The curriculum works to build both linguistic and cultural competencies, integral to success in this subject area. Our curriculum aims to enable effective communication in an additional language through expert teaching of the 4 key skills. The department prioritises increased confidence, proficiency and endeavour. Teachers will promote a growth mindset and students will be supported in developing resilience in all aspects of their learning as we strive towards increased accuracy of communication. Across KS3 students will study a number of subjects that will allow them to develop a strong foundation of essential phonics, grammar and vocabulary. In KS4 we will follow the AQA language GCSE curriculum. Students will use the Languagenut.com learning platform to develop their linguistic skills independently and in lessons. 

The language learning journey at LAHC will give students the tools to communicate effectively, show understanding and compassion to different ways of life and flourish as global citizens.

Over the course of the school year our students will be supported in becoming  more independent and confident modern language learners. The curriculum is designed to build a solid understanding of high frequency vocabulary, so that it can be used and recognised in a range of contexts. The use of digital technology will support this. The areas of study selected are relevant to everyday life and allow students to discuss personal experiences and make connections between life in the UK with the Spanish and  German  speaking worlds. Technology is embedded in the lessons to support language acquisition, practise a range of skills and increase motivations. Culture plays an integral role in language teaching and learning, and the curriculum reflects this. Key cultural and international events will be studied and celebrated with the opportunity for external visits and trips. In order to promote liberation from insularity students will be exposed to a wide scope of authentic materials from Germanic and Hispanic countries with the aim of sparking curiosity.

Assessments will take place at the end of each module in order to identify strengths and areas for development, they will inform teachers of common misconceptions to be addressed in future planning.  Assessments will also give students the opportunity to showcase their contextual knowledge and further develop the four key skills throughout the duration of the school year. 

In class students will be asked to self assess and peer assess tasks in order to develop a greater understanding of what makes a good piece of work. At KS3 level  assessments will contain some elements of GCSE style questions in order to best prepare students for KS4. Assessments will be moderated by the department to ensure consistency. Post assessment analysis will take place to help students understand where to improve and promote deeper understanding and metacognition. 

We learn a foreign language in order to communicate with people from different countries for practical purposes, understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of sources and to develop our awareness of different cultures.

The study of a modern language should broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to step beyond familiar cultural boundaries. Just one in four of the world’s population speak English, which means having another language will give your child countless opportunities to meet new people, gain new friends and network. It is reported that close to seven in ten teenagers say they would like to work abroad at some point and the study of a language could help them in almost any career and open up opportunities at home and abroad.

At Leigh Academy Hugh Christie we offer Spanish and German. They will continue with the language started in Year 7 into Year 8/9 and they will have the option to continue to GCSE. All students follow the Modern Foreign Languages National Curriculum at Key Stage 3.

• Pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 follow the German Echo Course books or the Spanish Mira course books.
• Parallel to the Syllabus, pupils will have the opportunity to read and listen to authentic stories poems and songs in Spanish or German
• German and Spanish are taught at Hugh Christie.
• Assessments take place at the end of every term.
• Year 7 students will learn how to understand and give personal details about themselves, their school, pastimes, where they live, and family across listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• Year 8 students will learn how to apply listening, speaking, reading and writing skills within the context of holidays, shopping, healthy living and their daily routine.
• Residential trips to Spain and Germany are offered to groups from Year 8 studying a language.

At Leigh Academy Hugh Christie we offer Spanish and German. They will continue with the language started in Year 7 into Year 8/9 and they will have the option to continue to GCSE. All students follow the Modern Foreign Languages National Curriculum at Key Stage 3.

• Pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 follow the German Echo Course books or the Spanish Mira course books.
• Parallel to the Syllabus, pupils will have the opportunity to read and listen to authentic stories poems and songs in Spanish or German
• German and Spanish are taught at Hugh Christie.
• Assessments take place at the end of every term.
• Year 7 students will learn how to understand and give personal details about themselves, their school, pastimes, where they live, and family across listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• Year 8 students will learn how to apply listening, speaking, reading and writing skills within the context of holidays, shopping, healthy living and their daily routine.
• Residential trips to Spain and Germany are offered to groups from Year 8 studying a language.

Learning a foreign language is an opening to other cultures.  The GCSE will enable you to express your ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers in both speech and in writing, while developing and using a wide-ranging and broad vocabulary and grammar.  It will provide opportunities for you to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and access cultural resources.

The Spanish and German options are only open to those who are currently studying Spanish and German in Year 9. Students can opt to continue with the language they chose in Year 7. The course is a three-year GCSE course. The aim of the course is to develop language skills in a variety of contexts and builds on the knowledge acquired during Key Stage 3.

The exam consists of four papers. Listening paper – 25% Reading paper – 25% Speaking paper – 25% Writing paper – 25%

Pupils study the AQA GCSE Textbooks.

• Theme 1: People & lifestyle
  • Identity and relationships with others
  • Healthy living and lifestyle
  • Education and work
• Theme 2: Popular culture
  • Free time activities
  • Customs, festivals and celebrations
  • Celebrity culture
• Theme 3: Communication & the world around us
  • Travel and tourism
  • Media and technology
  • The environment and where people live

Learning a foreign language is an opening to other cultures.  The GCSE will enable you to express your ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers in both speech and in writing, while developing and using a wide-ranging and broad vocabulary and grammar.  It will provide opportunities for you to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and access cultural resources.

The Spanish and German options are only open to those who are currently studying Spanish and German in Year 9. Students can opt to continue with the language they chose in Year 7. The course is a three-year GCSE course. The aim of the course is to develop language skills in a variety of contexts and builds on the knowledge acquired during Key Stage 3.

The exam consists of four papers. Listening paper – 25% Reading paper – 25% Speaking paper – 25% Writing paper – 25%

Pupils study the AQA GCSE Textbooks.

• Theme 1: People & lifestyle
  • Identity and relationships with others
  • Healthy living and lifestyle
  • Education and work
• Theme 2: Popular culture
  • Free time activities
  • Customs, festivals and celebrations
  • Celebrity culture
• Theme 3: Communication & the world around us
  • Travel and tourism
  • Media and technology
  • The environment and where people live