Curriculum Aims
Communication is the fundamental skill that everyone on the planet has in common, in a world where technology has increased both the frequency and speed of travel and communications, the relevance of speaking a modern foreign language has only grown in significance. At Sandhurst, our intention is to develop an appreciation for speaking a different language and exposing students to the culture it is embedded in. The curriculum is based around the four key communication skills which include reading, writing, speaking and listening.
We seek to encourage all students to develop their proficiency in speaking another language, by gradually building on basic grammar, formulating tenses, translating texts and having some fun! Ultimately, we want students to see the relevance and importance of additional languages in the modern world and how it relates to employment and cultural awareness. We want to see as many students as possible taking their studies to GCSE and beyond, but even if this is not their choice, we seek to give every student a good grounding in a foreign language, in a hope that they will use it in the future.
KS3 Curriculum Summary
KS3 Curriculum Summary
| MFL | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
| Year 7 | Introduction to French Greetings, Alphabet & pronunciation, numbers, days, months, saying when one’s birthday is, family members, pets, descriptions and relations with family members.
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic |
Where I live Saying where one lives, what there is in our town asking for directions, giving opinions. Describing the house where one lives, including rooms, furniture and floors.
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic
|
My free time Hobbies, sports, opinions and frequency. French sportsmen and sportswomen, foreign languages in football, music, including study of French music and French speakers.
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic |
| Assessment | Formal assessment of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills each term | ||
| Year 8 | School My school, school items, school subjects, school in France (letter exchange), the time, school timetables, clothes and colours, opinions on uniform, future studies, jobs and jobs where languages are important
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic |
My life Revision of time, routine, chores, technology available and use of technology, pros and cons of social media, making plans and what I did last weekend
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic
|
Holidays Where French is spoken around the world, countries, past holidays, transport, accommodation, holiday activities, weather phrases and expressing an opinion Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic
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| Assessment | Formal assessment of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills each term | ||
| Year 9 | Food & Drink Typical food from France, food and drinks, mealtimes, preferences, former and future eating habits, quantities, cost, role play: eating out at the restaurant, shopping for food/clothes
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic |
Health Body parts, saying something hurts, illnesses and injuries, treatment (role play: at the doctors), healthy lifestyle, exercise routine and future exercise regime, unhealthy habits
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic
|
Culture and customs French traditions and stereotypes, French celebrations and festivals, project, French culture: variety of TV programs and genres of films. Study of a French film and film writer
Relevant grammar points taught with each subtopic |
| Assessment | Formal assessment of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills each term | ||
KS4 Areas of Study
The GCSE course is broken down into three broad themes:
- Identity and culture: Me, my family and friends; technology; free time activities; customs and festivals.
- Areas of interest: Home, town, neighbourhood and region; social issues; global issues; travel and tourism.
- Current and future study and employment: My studies; life at school and college; education post-16; jobs, career choices and ambitions.
In addition, students are taught how to deal with more complex grammatical structures in order to be successful.
At the end of the two-year course, students are assessed in four skills (listening, speaking, reading & writing) in relation to the themes covered.
KS5 Areas of Study
Students cover content units as follows throughout the two-year course:
- Current trends: The changing nature of family; the cyber-society; voluntary work.
- Artistic culture: Culture; music; cinema.
- Current issues: Features of a diverse society; life for the marginalised; how criminals are treated.
- Political life: Teenagers and the right to vote; protests and strikes; politics and immigration.
In addition, students study a book and a film. Students are also expected to complete an IRP (independent research project) which will form part of the speaking exam at the end of year 13.
