International politics, business and tourism all mean that in today’s world, languages are essential.

Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum

We are excited to be able to offer languages to pupils of all abilities from NVQ Business French, to A Levels in French and Spanish. Italian GCSE is offered as an extra-curricular activity in the L6th Form.

All pupils study French in 3rd Form, with Spanish as a second language. In 4th Form, pupils can choose their core language for GCSE between French and Spanish. If they choose French as their core language, they are able to choose Spanish as an option. Learning two languages for GCSE is highly recommended if the pupils are interested in languages.

In 3rd Form, pupils commence the French GCSE course or NVQ depending on ability, with topics ranging from healthy eating to new technology. Spanish is normally taught ab initio and pupils enjoy learning how to give personal information in new contexts.

We also offer extra-curricular activities such as Reading Poetry Evening, Foreign Language Film Club, European Day of Languages, MFL plays, MFL quizzes, evening films and academic booster sessions to further support pupils’ language learning.

MFL Enrichment

Giving languages an authentic context is very important at King’s and that is why we encourage the use of authentic materials in class as well as offering a diverse range of trips, which in recent years, have included Paris, Lyon, Nice, the Dordogne, Salamanca and Munich.

MFL Curriculum

IGCSE Curriculum

All three subjects cover the CIE IGCSE syllabus.

The course encourages:

  • The ability to use a foreign language as a means of practical communication
  • Insight into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken
  • A positive attitude towards language learning, towards the speakers of other languages, and towards other cultures and civilisations
  • Techniques which can be applied to other areas of learning, such as analysis and memory skills
  • A sound foundation for progression to employment or further study

Topics covered include:

  • Everyday Activities (school, home life, health)
  • Personal and Social Life (family, pets, home, holidays)
  • The World Around Us (shopping, the environment, meeting people)
  • The World of Work (further education and employment)
  • The International World (travelling/living/working abroad)

The exam is split into four areas: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking with each being worth 25% of the final grade.

French IGCSE Specification

Spanish IGCSE Specification

A Level Curriculum

The new A Level syllabus contains greater emphasis on cultural elements through literature and film, while maintaining its academic diversity. The Edexcel course includes the following topics: (French is specified but Spanish and German are the same syllabus)

Paper 1 (40%)
Listening, Reading, Writing

  • Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends e.g. changing nature of family, “cyber-society”
  • Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues e.g. how criminals are treated, ethnic minorities
  • Artistic culture in the French-speaking world e.g. contemporary francophone music
  • Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world e.g. young people and the right to vote
  • Grammar

Paper 2 (30%)
Writing

  • One text and one film or two texts
  • Grammar

Paper 3 (30%)
Speaking

  • Individual research project (on theme of their choice)
  • One of four sub-themes i.e. Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends, Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues, Artistic culture in the French-speaking world, Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world.

A Level Specifications - French

A Level Specifications - Spanish

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