French
Languages Subject Intent:
Our intent is comprised of the following 3 sections:
- Our vision for the subject/faculty and the purpose it serves for our pupils
- Defining what the key concepts and core domains of knowledge are, that pupils will learn about
- The end points our curriculum is working towards
- Our vision
Aspiration –
Learning a Language promotes aspiration and ambition by changing lives and opening doors that otherwise would be closed. It prompts students to challenge what is “normal” and provides them with the ability to embrace the fact that the world is a rich and diverse place filled with different perspectives, cultures, customs, history, arts, literature and ways of communicating. The expectations of the Language department are ambitious for all students and the climate for learning encompasses contributions from students of all abilities and socio-economic backgrounds. After studying a language all students will have developed the confidence and skills to consider themselves as “global citizens”. Aspiration is firmly embedded within the curriculum and the content frequently links the usefulness of language learning within the world of work and everyday life. Finally, the development of the key skills such as self -efficacy in a foreign language also unlocks the technological, entrepreneurial and vocational strengths, which enhance the employability skills of our students through a strong focus on literacy and culture.
Core knowledge –
the Languages (French and Spanish) department follows the content of the national curriculum with emphasis on the following aspects of core knowledge: Phonics, vocabulary and grammar. To enable the long term recall of the core knowledge the Languages department employs a range of strategies to ensure that all students learn in an: enjoyable, positive and inclusive environment. In order to, enable Kingswood students to become successful and self-autonomous learners in French and Spanish we are currently reviewing our KS3 curriculum through the creation of bespoke teaching and learning materials. In addition, further opportunities for retrieval practice, spaced learning and assessment strategies are currently being embedded to further student progress and achievement against the outcomes of the national curriculum especially at KS3. Changes are also being made to facilitate the transition to the new GCSEs from 2025.
Procedural/Powerful knowledge –
Modern Foreign Languages should inspire pupils to open their horizons and their mind to different cultures. In French, pupils will study different aspects of life in French speaking and Hispanic countries as well as celebrations and festivals in those countries. Pupils will learn vocabulary, phonics and grammar that will allow them to express themselves in French and or Spanish. They will be able to give and develop their opinion about different topics. They will also question and analyse linguistic links and differences with English that will enable them to expand their literacy skills.
Developing cultural capital –
Studying a Language enables pupils to develop a wealth of Cultural Capital. As well as studying the actual language, pupils will also study the culture of countries where French and or Spanish is spoken. This includes Belgium, Québec, Switzerland, many African countries, South American countries as well as French and SpanishCaribbean and Pacific islands. Students will also study abridged versions of authentic texts from French-speaking countries, which will include literature, music, poems and films. We will also look at and discuss key moments in the history of French-speaking countries, for example the French Revolution. This will all enable pupils to broaden their cultural horizons and develop as knowledgeable, inquisitive young adults.
- character – enabling our students to RISE. In particular developing our Core Values of:
- In MFL, pupils learn about other countries and cultures, and so develop respect for all cultures across the world.
- In French, pupils will be required to keep up with regular vocabulary and grammar learning as part of their homework, to ensure the knowledge becomes embedded in their long-term memories. They will also complete a number of independent research projects throughout their studies into aspects of French culture and way of life, for example regarding ‘Noël’ or ‘Le 14 juillet’.
- In French, pupils learn about Charity and Volunteering, and the importance of helping others and serving the community.
- In MFL, pupils learn about other countries and cultures, including daily life and how this might differ from in the UK. This will enable pupils to be exposed to alternative ways of thinking and ways of life, helping to develop their empathy.
Identifying and addressing context specific need –
Our students are all unique and valued members of our community. The Languages curriculum is differentiated to allow each student to thrive and achieve. Students with specific needs are supported through a variety of methods from support in lessons to financial help for trips. The study of a Language is essential for enhancing the literacy skills of the students at Kingswood and raising standards in literacy across the curriculum.
.
Learning is sequential – T
The Languages curriculum is currently being adapted to facilitate further sequential learning to allow student’s knowledge and understanding to grow and build on prior knowledge. The curriculum is also being adapted to reflect the changes to the GCSEs from 2024.
- Our key concepts and core domains of knowledge
At Key Stage 3, Learners will experience a broad a rich curriculum comprising:
Year 7: Introducing Myself; Free Time; School, Family and Friends
Year 8: Holidays, festivals, What I did, shopping, sport and healthy living
Year 9: Choc attaque (The world of work and MFL), New technology, The Francophone world and the Summer holidays.
At Key Stage 4, learners will study GCSE (Edexcel) in French and or Spanish with the topics being the same in both Languages as set out by Edexcel.
- Module 1: Family and Friends
- Module 2: Free Time
- Module 3: Customs and Festivals
- Module 4: Town and Region
- Module 5: Holidays
- Module 6: Schools
- Module 7: Work and Future Plans
- Module 8: Social and global issues and international events
- The end points of our curriculum
By the end of each year our learners will be able to:
KS3 Outcomes (French and Spanish) (based on the national curriculum): |
KS4 Outcomes (French and Spanish) (based on national outcomes at GCSE: |
|||
Students at Kingswood who study French and or Spanish will be able to showcase the following knowledge at the highest level possible:
|
Students at Kingswood who study French and or Spanish will be able to showcase the following knowledge at the highest level possible:
|
|||
Specific Core Language skills per year group - French |
Specific Core Language skills per year group - French |
|||
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Vocabulary:
To converse on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To converse on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To converse on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To speak with autonomy and adapt language to inform and narrate on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To speak with autonomy and adapt language to inform and narrate on the following topics:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|
KS3 Outcomes (French and Spanish) (based on the national curriculum): |
KS4 Outcomes (French and Spanish) (based on national outcomes at GCSE: |
|||
Students at Kingswood who study French and or Spanish will be able to showcase the following knowledge at the highest level possible:
|
Students at Kingswood who study French and or Spanish will be able to showcase the following knowledge at the highest level possible:
|
|||
Specific Core Language skills per year group - Spanish |
Specific Core Language skill per year group Spanish |
|||
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Phonics:
|
Vocabulary:
To converse on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To converse on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To converse on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To speak with autonomy and adapt language to inform and narrate on the following topics:
|
Vocabulary:
To speak with autonomy and adapt language to inform and narrate on the following topics:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|
Grammar:
|