Modern Foreign Languages
“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
Charlemagne
Welcome to the Modern Foreign Languages subject page. Below you will find a breakdown of each year group, including what is taught, how we assess, what enrichment opportunities there are and what can be expected in terms of homework. If you need any further information, please contact the Head of Department, Mrs Douglas, at hdouglas@cromwell.cambs.sch.uk.
Click here to see a visual representation of our French curriculum from Year 7 - Year 13
Click here to see a visual representation of our German curriculum from Year 8 - Year 13
Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Map - Year 7 to Year 12
Homework
Homework is set on a regular basis by the class teacher and can be accessed by logging into your Go4Schools account.
Here are links to websites to enhance your learning:
French:
Enrichment
The Routes into Language Foreign Language Spelling Bee is offered to Year 7 pupils.
We offer an increasing range of trips to France and Germany, including a day trip to Boulogne, France and a residential trip to the German Christmas markets.
Ability Grouping
French and German are taught in groups based on ability in Key Stage 3.
French and German are taught in mixed ability groups in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
Teaching Staff
Mrs H Douglas (Head of MFL Faculty)
Mrs N Harvey-Kemper
Miss M Cottam
Mr M Jackson
Miss S Foubert
Curriculum
Primary Phase
Children really enjoy learning a new language at primary school and children get a real sense of achievement from mastering and using new key phrases! Learning a foreign language is compulsory at Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) and it is about language learning skills than the particular language on offer. Having said that, we are very fortunate to have an amazing Modern Foreign Language department in the Secondary Phase so are very keen to utilise this so even though this is not compulsory until Key Stage 2, children will be learning some language phrases from the very start of their time at Cromwell. We will be teaching French.
Children are given the opportunity not only to learn about other cultures but, more importantly, to communicate with others too. It is also a thoroughly enjoyable subject to learn, with less emphasis on the written word and more on practical tasks, such as drama, story-telling, role-play, speaking and listening.
Key Stage 1
We will introduce some informal learning in these years through games, drama and rhyme as well as stories.
Key Stage 2
All children in Key Stage 2 are given opportunities to learn how to:
- communicate orally
- share their ideas and feelings using speech
- compare their use of English grammar and spelling to another language
- express some ideas in writing
The Children will cover work under some general headings. Some of these include:
- Listening to a language and joining in to learn everyday words and phrases
- Learning how to have conversations in another language to share ideas and opinions as well as being able to ask and answer questions
- Reading texts and stories in another language, carrying out basic comprehension tasks
- Learning songs, poems, rhymes and stories in another language to help with vocabulary but also with cultural understanding
- Writing some words and phrases from memory as well as describing people and places with basic sentences
Key Stage 3
What do we teach?
Please follow the link at the top of this page to view the Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Map.
How do we assess learning?
French
Follow the links below to determine if your child is working to secure level:
German
Follow the links below to determine if your child is working to secure level:
| Year 8 | Year 9 |
| Autumn Term 1 | Autumn Term 1 |
| Autumn Term 2 | Autumn Term 2 |
| Spring Term 1 | Spring Term 1 |
| Spring Term 2 | Spring Term 2 |
| Summer Term 1 | Summer Term 1 |
| Summer Term 2 | Summer Term 2 |
Key Stage 4
FRENCH
Edexcel GCSE French 1FR0
This course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in developing their linguistic skills and for those who would like to know more about other cultures.
What will I study?
You will be able to discuss a broad range of topics from your family and friends to the world around you. You will also study the culture of French speaking countries across the globe and think about your plans for the future. Many of the topics build on the Key Stage 3 curriculum, which means you have an opportunity to perfect familiar language as well as expand and develop your vocabulary and skills.
How will I learn?
You will learn to write and speak but also to read and understand the language. The four skills are equally weighted, and, as you progress, you will learn the grammar and structures necessary to use your French effectively in speech and writing.
How will I be assessed?
The course has been designed to ensure that you are able to develop your listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation skills.
Each skill will be tested in a separate examination with the exception of translation, which is split across the reading and writing papers. Each paper is worth 25% of your final result. The speaking examination consists of three tasks: a role play, a photo description and general conversation with your language teacher. This will be recorded and then sent to the exam board for marking.
Click here to view the GCSE French exam specification
Will there be any controlled assessment?
No.
Will there be any independent study?
Independent study is an integral part of the course and will be set regularly. Routine vocabulary learning is essential to ensure success in the examinations. You will also have access to online interactive resources to help you build your skills and confidence.
Where can this course take me?
A language will help you communicate in this increasingly globalised society. As well as being essential for certain careers, for instance travel and tourism or interpreting, it is a highly valued and sought after skill in business, law, journalism, accountancy, secretarial or military jobs – to name but a few examples.
GERMAN
Edexcel GCSE German 1GN0
This course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in developing their linguistic skills and for those who would like to know more about other cultures. Some of you may have some experience of learning German already, but do not worry if you have not done German before.
What will I study?
You will be able to discuss a broad range of topics from your family and friends to the world around you. You will also study the culture of German speaking countries across the globe and think about your plans for the future. You will have an opportunity to perfect familiar language you may have learned in Key Stage 3 as well as expand and develop your vocabulary and skills.
How will I learn?
You will learn to write and speak but also to read and understand the language. The four skills are equally weighted and, as you progress, you will learn the grammar and structures necessary to use your German effectively in speech and writing.
How will I be assessed?
The course has been designed to ensure that you are able to develop your listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation skills.
Each skill will be tested in a separate examination, with the exception of translation, which is split across the reading and writing papers. Each paper is worth 25% of your final result. The speaking examination consists of three tasks: a role play, a photo description and general conversation with your language teacher. This will be recorded and then sent to the exam board for marking.
There is no controlled assessment.
Click here to view the GCSE German exam specification
Will there be any independent study?
Independent study is an integral part of the course and will be set regularly. Routine vocabulary learning is essential to ensure success in the examinations. You will also have access to online interactive resources to help you build your skills and confidence.
Where can this course take me?
A language will help you communicate in this increasingly globalised society. As well as being essential for certain careers, for instance travel and tourism or interpreting, it is a highly valued and sought after skill in business, law, journalism, accountancy, secretarial or military jobs – to name but a few examples.
Key Stage 5
WJEC Eduqas Level 3 Advanced GCE in French
French A Level
Studying a language will provide you with an engaging and exciting opportunity to further your language skills and knowledge of the French speaking world. Through social, intellectual and cultural themes you will be able to develop your linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries and communities where these languages are spoken. An opportunity to study film and literature will further increase your cultural awareness.
The following topics will be examined via speaking, listening, reading and writing examinations which take place at the end of the course.
Changes in French-speaking society:
- Family structures, traditional and modern values, mariage
- Educational and employment opportunities
Political and artistic culture in the French-speaking world:
- Music and the media in the French-speaking world
- Regional culture and heritage in France, French-speaking countries and communities including festivals, customs and traditions
Immigration and multicultural French society:
- Immigration and integration
- Cultural identity and marginalisation
- The far right, discrimination and diversity
The occupation and the resistance:
- The occupation and antisemitism
- The Vichy regime
- The resistance
Studying languages not only helps with gaining more from leisure and cultural experiences but can provide access to careers in business, commerce and industry, tourism, teaching and research, journalism, translation and interpreting.
Examination Board: Eduqas
Click here to view the A Level French exam specification
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in German (9GN0)
German A Level
Studying the German language will provide you with an engaging and exciting opportunity to further your language skills and knowledge of the German speaking world. Through social, intellectual, and cultural themes you will be able to develop your linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the country and its communities. An opportunity to study film and literature will further increase your cultural awareness.
The following topics will be examined via speaking, listening, reading and examinations which take place at the end of the course.
Social issues and trends:
- Evolving society in Germany
- Natural living – the environment, recycling, being organic
- Education – the education system and apprenticeships
- The world of work – working life, business, and industry
Political, intellectual, and artistic culture:
- The German-speaking world
- Music
- Media
- Festivals and traditions
Social issues and trends:
- Immigration and multiculturalism
Political, intellectual, and artistic culture:
- German reunification
- Society in the GDR before reunification of Germany
- Events leading to reunification
- Germany since reunification
Studying languages not only helps with gaining more from leisure and cultural experiences but can provide access to careers in business, commerce and industry, tourism, teaching and research, journalism, translation, and interpreting.
Examination Board: Edexcel
