Modern Foreign Languages

Intent

We intend to make the classroom an immersive experience at Uplands Academy where the use of target language by the teacher and the students is a priority. Although we expect a high level of Spanish/French throughout a lesson our learning environment is warm and welcoming.

We hope to do more than teach Spanish and French for GCSE. We aim to inspire communication, improve presentation skills, develop cognitive ability, drive ambition, improve cultural awareness, promote social skills, and cultivate a global outlook. These qualities are what come to mind when colleges, universities and employers see an applicant with a language.

In lessons we engage students through games, songs and choral repetition so that grammar and definitions are absorbed implicitly first. We also address definitions and misconceptions to ensure that students are prepared for assessments. All four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) are practiced in lessons to ensure that students are prepared for exams.

How our subject contributes to personal development

Learning languages has many cognitive benefits, including memory and critical thinking. Learning a language supports students’ expanding vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Through learning languages, our students develop an awareness of patterns and links with other languages. Research also suggests that learning additional languages helps our brains to develop, grow stronger and improves our performance in other fields.

We also look at some of the similarities and differences between life here and in other countries and encourage students to become curious about different aspects of culture.

Enrichment Opportunities and Wider Support

· Speaking Tutorials

· After-school workshops

· Trip to BFI in London

· International trips