Introduction

At Forest Hill School, the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Department offers French, German and Spanish. We aim to develop students’ ability to communicate accurately and with confidence in one or more languages both orally and in written form. Huge emphasis is placed on enjoying the lessons and having fun experimenting with the language being taught.

French Curriculum Map

German Curriculum Map

Spanish Curriculum Map

Languages at Key Stage 3

All students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) study either French, German or Spanish with a specialist teacher over two periods a week. Students will develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in the language they are learning.

They will learn to use linguistic knowledge and skills to understand and communicate effectively; they will be shown how language works; and will be encouraged to use their imagination to express thoughts, ideas, experiences and feelings. Students will also be guided, through language acquisition, to appreciate the richness and diversity of other cultures.

MFL homework is set once a week and varies from vocabulary learning to speaking practice to essay writing in order to prepare students for the upcoming lessons, assessments or to consolidate learning. There are often exciting extension tasks that encourage the students to manipulate their language skills in creative ways, such as producing illustrated posters and comic strips or writing stories or dialogues.

Languages at Key Stage 4

At Forest Hill School, the majority of students will study at least one language at GCSE level. They will develop the ability to communicate effectively through both the spoken and written word and to enhance their application of grammar in the target language. The course itself is fully differentiated to access a range of learners who could be entered for either the Foundation tier (Grades 1 – 5) or Higher tier (Grades 3 – 9) The course will provide a suitable basis for further study and/or practical use of the language.

AQA GCSE German Specification 

AQA GCSE Spanish Specification

AQA GCSE French Specification

Students are also encouraged to take GCSE examinations in other languages within the curriculum which are not formally taught at Forest Hill, but which the students have previously acquired, e.g. Chinese, Portuguese, Turkish, etc. as a ‘community’ or ‘home’ language.

Languages at Key Stage 5

Within the MFL Department, we offer A Levels in French, German and Spanish. Language students will develop a high proficiency in their chosen language together with a strong understanding of the countries’ identities and cultures. They will also learn how to use the language at home, abroad, with friends or in the workplace.

The French, German and Spanish A Level courses build on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. They constitute an integrated study with a focus on language, culture, politics and society. Students also study one book and one film in the target language, as well as undertake an independent research project to debate in the speaking exam. They must be able to appreciate, analyse and respond critically in writing in the target language to the works and research topic they have studied. The content of these courses is suitable for students who wish to progress to employment or further study, including a modern languages degree.

AQA AS and A Level Languages Specifications

Enrichment

The MFL department offers an extensive enrichment programme and we aim to travel abroad at least once a year to German, French or Spanish speaking countries. In previous years we have visited Berlin, Barcelona, Cologne and Paris. A Level German and Spanish students have undertaken trips on their own, doing work experience abroad during the October half term.

All trips abroad are excellent learning opportunities, developing the students’ language skills and cultural understanding, as well as being a lot of fun!

[Due to the coronavirus pandemic, MFL trips abroad have been put on hold but will be re-introduced as and when it is possible to do so.]

Every year, we highlight the European Week of Languages in lessons, often conducting quizzes and other special activities to engage the students in languages beyond the classroom.