Welcome to the Modern Foreign Languages Department.

At Barnwood Park we take enormous pride in our language learning. The school has a thriving Modern Foreign Languages department (MFL), with inspirational, strategic and supportive leadership and teachers. Our results have been in the top 10% of MFL departments nationally for progress for the last 5 years.

The learning of MFL at Barnwood Park provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for students that develops communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning and cultural awareness. 

We pride ourselves on giving students the best opportunities to become global citizens through a variety of topics both subject and culturally based.  Along with extra-curricular activities and opportunities to travel, students are able to access learning that is beyond the classroom. 

Learning for all

All students have the opportunity to learn a language; French or Spanish throughout KS3 and KS4. Students with additional first languages are also encouraged to take a GCSE where there is a certified qualification and are assisted with this by the department lead.

 

KS3

In Year 7 all students study Spanish and French.  After a year of studying both languages, students are asked to focus on either French or Spanish from Year 8 onwards. Through our curriculum, students are able to practise all four skills required to become successful linguists. 

Year 7

Students begin their 5 year learning journey by studying languages three times a week.  Students begin with an introductory module to each language before following the Viva and Studio online textbooks covering the topics of: Myself & Family, School & Opinions and Free Time.

Year 8

Students select one language on which to focus and enhance their linguistic and grammatical skills by covering the topics of: Sports & Leisure Activities, Town, Holidays and School Life.

Year 9

Students will develop all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst completing the following topics: Identity, Media & Technology, Health, Food, Day-to-day Life, before beginning the GCSE AQA course.

 

KS4

We offer French and Spanish at GCSE, both of which are popular subjects at KS4.  Students receive three lessons a week with access to online facilities such as Active Learn and Quizlet. We also have the use of a Foreign Language Assistant to support students with speaking examinations.  Students follow the AQA syllabus and use GCSE Viva Rojo and Studio Rouge online textbook. The themes covered at GCSE are: 

Identity & Culture

Local, National, Global & International areas of interest

Future study and employment.

 

Opportunities Abroad

We offer two popular educational visits abroad.  We travel to St Omer, France at Christmas time and Barcelona in Term 6.  Both these visits are aimed at improving students understanding of Language and Culture.