MFL at IWEF- Languages for Life

‘It’s too hard ‘ , ‘Everyone speaks English anyway’ , ‘What’s the point ?’ – These are things students often say when learning a foreign language at school. The MFL teachers in the Federation are committed to trying to make language–learning enjoyable and accessible for all students. We aim to use a range of techniques to bring languages to life and to give students an insight into other cultures.

Our schemes of work are designed so that key words , phrases and grammar points are introduced and then practised , repeated and extended   Due to a Modern Foreign Language being  skills – based , we continually work on honing skills in the 4 key areas of Listening , Reading , Speaking and Writing right through school. All pupils are set challenging , meaningful homework tasks to practise and extend their language skills

We want our pupils to be confident in their language skills and to be prepared to use them in real – life contexts. We also aim to make them more knowledgeable about the culture of the country whose language they are learning as part of making them more rounded , globally–aware citizens.

The MFL Department at IWEF prepares pupils to take an active part in the world beyond school by developing their all-round communication skills. Learning a foreign language calls for pupils to become active participants, confident speakers, attentive listeners, careful readers  and engaging writers. It also places emphasis on developing an effective memory.

All students take a foreign language in KS3 and may opt to continue studying a language or languages in KS4 and KS5.   Students are offered French, Spanish or Mandarin (at Carisbrooke College only) or Italian (at Medina College only). 

As a Federation we aim to keep up to date with ever – evolving  teaching methodologies and to this end use a range of resources to deliver lessons and to support students in their learning. Students have access to digital textbooks via the Kerboodle learning platform and also have access to the Linguascope language – learner site.

The MFL department fully supports and complements the work of the English department in seeking to promote confidence in literacy and oracy.