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 and KS4 within the normal school day. Languages are compulsory at KS3 and quite a few of our students take it at KS4. The department is also committed to the enrichment of other aspects of the school curriculum.
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.
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 iPad usage.
