Why Study Modern Foreign Languages?

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The MFL department is passionate about languages and language learning. Through the study of French and Spanish we aspire to develop not only academic knowledge and skills, but also to promote character education and values. It is our intent to:

• Empower pupils to communicate effectively in both spoken and written language.

• Ensure that pupils are able to interpret listening and reading stimuli and successfully deduce meaning from comprehension texts.

• Instil an interest in language learning and target language speaking countries and cultures.

• Develop pupil knowledge and awareness of and engagement with the wider world.

• Foster an environment centred around mutual respect and understanding of others, in which open-mindedness and tolerance are explicitly promoted.

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A number of character traits are developed through the study of MFL. pupils are exposed to the culture of target language speaking countries, encouraging them not only to be well-informed global citizens, but also respectful and tolerant of the many cultural differences apparent in today’s society. Additionally, languages instil resilience in pupils and allow them to take risks in their learning. Even in their mother tongue they make errors with their use of language, therefore accepting this as both a natural and important part of the learning process is essential.

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Finally, every pupil will experience a curriculum that helps them linguistically but also culturally. Pupils will be exposed to authentic materials through a variety of stimuli which may include video clips, music, native speaking teachers, and educational visits.

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Outside of the classroom there are also opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular activities and competitions, which again may include: European Day of Languages events and attending French plays by Onatti Theatre productions.

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