Modern Foreign Languages
The MFL department consists of five members of staff, all of whom teach French and Spanish.
All students in Year 7 are currently taught Spanish for 4 lessons per fortnight and they pick up French in Year 8. Throughout Year 8 and Year 9, most pupils study both French and Spanish with five lessons per fortnight being split between the two languages.
In Year 9, pupils have the opportunity to opt to continue to study both languages, or just one language at GCSE. Both Spanish and French are offered at GCSE and A-level.
MFL policy on homework
In accordance with the whole school policy on homework, pupils are expected to complete tasks to a high standard and on a regular basis.
Year 7
All pupils will receive two pieces of homework per fortnight. Homework tasks range from reading and listening exercises, translation, vocabulary learning, writing tasks or research projects. Generally, students should spend around 30 minutes on each piece of homework although this may vary depending on the nature of the task.
Years 8 and 9
In Year 8 and Year 9, students study French (for 3 hours per fortnight) and Spanish (for 2 hours per fortnight). In French, they will have two pieces of homework per fortnight and Spanish, they will have one piece of homework per fortnight. Homework tasks will range from learning vocabulary, listening and reading exercises, translation or written tasks and student should expect to spend between 30 and 40 minutes on each piece of homework.
Year 10/11 for all languages
At Key Stage 4, homework is set most lessons and is appropriate to the work the students are doing. This includes regular vocabulary learning homework, work for the oral and written examinations and reading exercises. On average pupils receive between one and two hours of homework a week.
Year 12/13 for all languages
At Key Stage 5, homework is set every lesson and is appropriate to the work students are doing. This includes regular vocabulary learning homework, work for the oral examination, assessed essays and reading and listening exercises. On average pupils receive between one and two hours of homework per lesson.