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Modern Foreign Languages

Modern Foreign Languages

Learning a language broadens horizons, instils confidence and deepens the understanding of the world in which we currently live. The benefits of being able to communicate in a second language are profound, opening minds to different cultures, developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as well as increasing employability.

The Modern Foreign Languages department at Teesdale School and Sixth Form utilises these core beliefs to develop curious and confident language learners of the future who will have the skills and capacity to master whichever language they may choose.

During their first years of study, students will have the opportunity to visit France or Spain with the Academy. These highly popular cultural visits aim to ‘put into practice’ the skills learnt within the classroom and students are encouraged to speak in the target language throughout the visit. This is a real opportunity to bring the subject to life for our learners. For those unable to travel, we bring the world to our classroom by celebrating festivals, food tasting, exposure to the latest songs, cultural anthems, clips from French and Spanish news and interviews and authentic texts from French and Spanish literature, newspapers and magazines. All students have the opportunity to develop conversational language skills and the necessary key language to successfully complete daily tasks in France such as booking a table in a restaurant, hotel reservations, asking for directions etc. Comme c’est génial!

After learning French in Year 7 students will pick up Spanish in Year 8 and consequently have a choice of languages when it comes to GCSE options. In addition, both subjects are offered to A Level.

Curriculum information

In addition to our aim of creating independent, motivated language learners, MFL also contributes to the development of cultural capital in a variety of ways every lesson. Language and culture are explored every lesson, covering a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. 

Year

Autumn

Spring

Summer

7

Introduction to French

Family and personality

Town and local area

School

Hobbies

Summer Holidays

8

Sports

Holidays

Food and Drink

Healthy Living

Film and TV

Technology

9

Teenage Life

Holidays

School

Jobs and the world of work

Where I live

Celebrations

10

Identity and Relationships

Healthy Living and Lifestyle

Education and Work

Free-time activities

Customs and festivals

Celebrity Culture

11

Travel and Tourism

Media and Technology

Environment and where people live

Preparation for speaking exams

GCSE Exams

I enjoy deciphering new languages, I like it when I can understand what a reading activity is about.
Year 9 student