Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum KS3
Overview
In the Modern Foreign Languages department, we aim to open doors for our pupils. We have designed a curriculum that focuses on the three pillars of language learning: vocabulary, grammar, and phonics. Our aim is for the curriculum to be broad, varied, and vibrant. We want to allow pupils to explore the Spanish language and enable them to broaden their language knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding. Through this understanding, we aim to help our students consider others' points of view and ways of life, and to develop tolerance and mutual respect for all citizens of the world. Whilst our curriculum undoubtedly prepares students for external examinations, there is also a strong emphasis on developing resilience, confidence, character, and a love of learning through its various elements.
Year 7
During Year 7, students are introduced to a range of activities that provide a model for experimenting with new language structures and vocabulary. The aim is to help them become more confident in communicating with increasing fluency—to tell and adapt a story, give personal information about themselves and others, talk about life in the jungle, and make future plans.
Pupils will learn phonics to establish sound-spelling links and will understand the concept of gender and plurality, as well as be introduced to personal pronouns and negatives. This will, in turn, support their literacy skills across the wider curriculum.
They will develop reading, listening, speaking, writing, and translation skills, and will be exposed to a range of authentic materials and stories to support their understanding of verbs and tenses.
Year 8
In the second year of the KS3 Spanish course, students will build upon the vocabulary and language structures covered in Year 7 and develop their skills and attributes within the context of a visit to Madrid, local and global environmental issues in South America, healthy lifestyles and diet, free time activities, and technology.
Year 9
In the final year of KS3, students continue to develop automaticity through the use of anchor structures and essential vocabulary, enabling them to describe and express increasingly well-developed opinions with spontaneity and fluency on a range of topics, including school life, family and relationships, well-being, and festivals in the Hispanic world.
Key contact
Ms J Moreira