Curriculum content is currently under review
For the termly Curriculum Newsletter please see https://www.thamesmead.surrey.sch.uk/ks3/ for Year 7-9 students
Curriculum Information for Key Stage 3 students
Welcome to the MFL department
Aim:
The course is designed to enable students to communicate in real life situations in which they might realistically find themselves whilst in France, Spain, Latin America or when speaking with people from any French or Spanish speaking countries. Students will also develop skills in working with others collaboratively, problem solving, memory techniques, creativity and communicating effectively as well as developing their understanding of other cultures.
Overview:
In Year 7 all students have five hours of MFL lessons per fortnight. Pupils will be allocated a language (French or Spanish) before starting at Thamesmead, parents will be given the opportunity to express a preference before September and we will always try to take this preference into consideration when allocating a language. All pupils will study their allocated language throughout years 7-9 and will then have the opportunity to continue to GCSE level. Throughout these three years, students will be encouraged to explore their language through a wide variety of topics which will help them to develop the four key linguistic skills; listening, reading, writing and speaking.
What topics will I study in KS3 (years 7, 8 & 9):
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
Year 7 | Topics:
Self and friendships, classroom language
Assessment: Reading and translation
|
Topics:
My family. Description and personality
Assessment: Writing and translation |
Topics:
Where I live, describing house and area Assessment: Speaking |
Topics:
My hobbies and interests
Assessment: Listening |
Topics:
School and school life
Assessment: Revision for end of year exams |
Topics:
Town and area
Assessment: Listening, reading & writing |
Year 8 | Topics:
Family, friends and invitations
Assessment: Listening & reading
|
Topics:
Celebrations and arranging a party
Assessment: Speaking |
Topics:
Health and healthy living
Assessment: Writing and translation |
Topics:
Clothes and events
Assessment: Reading and translation |
Topics:
Comparing areas, countries, cultural knowledge Assessment: Revision for end for year exams |
Topics:
Money and jobs
Assessment: Listening, reading & writing |
Year 9 | Topics:
Media – TV, films, reading and music
Assessment: Reading and translation |
Topics:
School and future plans
Assessment: Writing and translation |
Topics:
Holidays
Assessment: Speaking |
Topics:
When I was younger – comparing then and now Assessment: Listening |
Topics:
French/Spanish speaking world – culture, regions and habits Assessment: Revision for end of year exams |
Topics:
A tourist abroad – scenarios
Assessment: Listening, reading & writing |
Can I study this at KS4?
Yes, it is usual to continue with the same language (Spanish or French) that you have studied in year 9.
Are there any enrichment opportunities in school?
We have run trips to Barcelona and Paris to allow students the opportunity to really practise their language skills. There are weekly revision sessions for Year 11 students to support them in reaching their target grade.
What could I do at home to help myself or where could I visit to help my learning?
Achieving a grade 4/5 or above in GCSE French or Spanish will enable you to continue your studies of at AS and A2 levels. For those hoping for a career in travel and tourism, the media, journalism, MI5, sales and marketing, customer support, education or translating and interpreting, the knowledge of a foreign language would be a distinct advantage. Some universities and colleges may require an MFL as a condition of entry.
Useful websites: