BISHOP CHALLONER FEDERATION
OF SCHOOLS
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES FACULTY
The Modern Foreign Languages Faculty strives to prepare pupils for a global world where the
importance and relevance of foreign language learning has never been greater, given the wider
opportunities for contact with foreigners both at work and in leisure time.
We recognise that, whilst providing the basis for pupils to maximise their opportunities for future
employment, learning a language also offers a stimulating intellectual experience and a challenge
which is worthwhile in itself.
We fully endorse the Christian values of the school and believe that gaining insight into other cultures
leads to greater understanding, tolerance and mutual respect for peoples of all cultural, ethnic and
religious backgrounds.
The Faculty
The faculty comprises two departments EAL (English as an additional language) and Modern
Languages. Some teachers are both EAL and MFL specialists and teach in both departments. There is,
however, no obligation to do so.
The MFL Team
The department consists of 5 full time teachers and French and Spanish Foreign Language Assistants.
All full time teachers are competent to teach French and Spanish to at least GCSE level and are
committed to working collaboratively to improve their professional practice and the quality of
teaching and learning in the MFL Faculty.
Teaching and Learning
The department has recently begun using the ‘Communicative Method’ in the classroom at KS3: The
target language is used as the means of all communication in the classroom. Pupils are encouraged to
use the target language and are discouraged from using English through the use of team competitions
and clear classroom rules. Everyday classroom routines and the on-going team competition are
exploited for maximum linguistic benefit. This approach has been very successful at KS3 and we are
working on developing it at KS4.
The Communicative method has been developed by the University of Cumbria. Members of the
University have trained and supported teachers in the MFL Faculty, and we are now part of the
University of Cumbria secondary PGCE MFL partnership, offering placements for 2 students for each
block practice. Being involved in training PGCE students has helped to develop our own practice and
deepen our understanding of the University of Cumbria Communicative approach.
Curriculum
KS3
The languages taught in curriculum time are French and Spanish. Students study one language only
for two 50 minute periods per week from Y7 to Y9. The language taught to each new Y7 cohort
changes every 2 years. For example, our present Y7 students are learning French, whilst Y8 & Y9 are
learning Spanish.
KS4
Since 2011, languages have been optional for students in lower sets but students in higher sets have
been strongly guided to study a language and follow the Ebac curriculum. Students doing GCSE have 3
periods per week and follow the Edexcel syllabus.
KS5
There are small AS and A2 French, Spanish and Portuguese classes in the 6th form. Students doing
French or Spanish follow the Edexcel syllabus and students doing Portuguese follow the OCR syllabus.
Home languages
Students who speak another language at home are encouraged to develop their skills and take
examinations in their home languages wherever possible. There are after school classes in Portuguese
and Bengali to support native speakers in developing their literacy and oracy skills in these languages.
We are developing links with local community language schools and our local Modern Language
College, Sir John Cass to support students who wish to develop their skills in other languages.
Assessment
Students at all Key stages are formally assessed every half-term. Students’ levels (KS3) or grades
(KS4&5) are recorded and CATS data is used to inform planning, measure progress and set targets.
Assessment activities are built into schemes of work to support and monitor students’ progress.