Welcome to the MFL Department
At Notre Dame High School, students study either French or Spanish from Year 7. All pupils continue with their study of MFL to GCSE. Students can then chose to continue their MFL studies at A-level.
Mrs Greenwood-Quy is Head of the Modern Foreign Languages Department. If you would like to contact Mrs Greenwood-Quy, you can do so via email: egreenwoodquy@notredame-high.co.uk
Teachers in the MFL Department
Mrs E Greenwood-Quy – French / Spanish (Head of Department) – egreenwoodquy@notredame-high.co.uk
Mr M Barnes – French / Spanish – mbarnes@notredame-high.co.uk
Mr W Egurrola – Spanish / French – wegurrola@notredame-high.co.uk
Miss B Jimenez-Montes – Spanish / French – bjimenezmontes@notredame-high.co.uk
Mrs Y Perez Lopez – Spanish / French – yperezlopez@notredame-high.co.uk
Mr D Chambers – French / Spanish – dchambers@notredame-high.co.uk
Mr L Mayo – French / Spanish – lmayo@notredame-high.co.uk
Miss M Eddy – French / Spanish – meddy@notredame-high.co.uk
Years 7 and 8
In Key Stage 3 our students develop their knowledge and understanding of a foreign language and also their cultural awareness within the context of familiar topics. The foundations of the language, key vocabulary and grammar form an integral part of the learning experience in KS3.
French | Spanish | |
Year 7 | Talking about yourself My school Free time My town Holidays | Talking about yourself Free time My school My family and friends My town |
Year 8 | TV, films and books A trip to Paris My friends / music / clothes My house / food ·My talents / dreams and ambitions | Holidays TV, music, technology Food and celebrations Going out / making plans Tourism / holiday homes |
Years 9, 10 and 11
Pupils study a three-year GCSE course (AQA) from Year 9:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Topic 1: Me, my family and friends
Topic 2: Technology in everyday life
Topic 3: Free-time activities
Topic 4: Customs and festivals in French/Spanish-speaking countries/communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region
Topic 2: Social issues
Topic 3: Global issues
Topic 4: Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Topic 1: My studies
Topic 2: Life at school/college
Topic 3: Education post-16
Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Assessment
All assessment is by final exam at the end of the course.
Listening exam 25%
Reading exam 25%
Speaking exam 25%
Writing exam 25%
A-Level (Years 12 and 13)
A-level courses for French and Spanish start with an introduction to bridging the gap from GCSE to A-level. Pupils study the full A Level (AQA) over two years. Pupils have 5 hours of teaching a week, split between two teachers, and they have an additional timetabled hour in a small group with the Foreign Language Assistant.
French | Spanish |
Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends The changing nature of family The ‘cyber-society’ The place of voluntary work Artistic culture in the French-speaking world A culture proud of its heritage Contemporary francophone music Cinema: the 7th art form Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues Positive features of a diverse society Life for the marginalised How criminals are treated Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? Politics and immigration Two books / a book and a film Individual Research Project | Aspects of Hispanic Society Modern and traditional values Cyberspace Equal rights Multiculturalism in Hispanic society Immigration Racism Integration Artistic culture in the Hispanic world Modern day idols Spanish regional identity Cultural heritage Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens Monarchies and dictatorships Popular movements Two books / a book and a film Individual Research Project |
How you can help your child in French or Spanish
Regular learning of key vocabulary is essential to ensure good progress in learning a language. You can support your child by encouraging them to read and review notes in their exercise book and their vocabulary book. It would be beneficial to have a French or Spanish dictionary at home as a learning resource. There are online resources to support the course. Teachers will direct students to recommended websites which will be noted in journals. Resources are also posted on Moodle, Notre Dame’s virtual learning platform. You can encourage to child to listen to music and watch films in the target language. MFL films can often be found on Netflix.
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