Modern Foreign Language

All pupils at KS3 study a Modern Foreign Language, currently French, as a statutory non core National Curriculum subject.

Lessons are differentiated to meet pupils’ needs. In all lessons there is an emphasis on using the target language.

Through studying another language, pupils will gain an appreciation of other cultures and learn to respect other people whatever their nationality or language.

In MFL lessons we aim to reinforce good practice learnt in the core subjects, particularly as regards reading and writing.

The National Curriculum Attainment Targets for MFL are:-

  • Listening and Responding
  • Speaking
  • Reading and responding
  • Writing

At KS3, pupils are formally assessed at the end of each unit of work. Pupils cover, on average, two units of work per half term.

At KS4 and depending on their attainment at KS3, all pupils follow either an AQA Entry Level course or an AQA GCSE course during Years 10 and 11.

AQA Entry Level, French

This is a 2 year course for pupils who are aiming at achieving an average of level 2 or 3 by the end of KS4.
There are 12 units of work, each covering a different topic, for example:-

  • Self, family and friends
  • Home Town

On completion of each unit of work, the pupil is formally assessed in all 4 attainment targets. The assessments are then marked by the teacher and at the end of Year 11, the individual pupil’s six best units of work are sent to be moderated by an external examiner. In the past most St. Vincent’s pupils pass Entry Level at Level 3, the top mark.

Pupils achieving at level 2 or 3 can submit individual units of work for accreditation through Unit Awards.  They would be accredited for each individual unit they complete.

AQA GCSE French

Pupils who are able to achieve levels 4-7 at KS4, follow a GCSE course during Years 10 and 11. The course follows the AQA full course syllabus and is taught in topics, on going teacher assessment of pupil attainment is made throughout the course.

Final assessment is by formal externally set exams at the end of Year 11 in Speaking, Listening and Reading. The writing element of the course is assessed by coursework and this is completed and marked before pupils’ exam start. A great deal of thought and work has gone into selecting course work titles that maximise pupils chances of achieving good mark in this part of their GCSE. Pupils have the opportunity to study French at post GCSE level.