What we teach

At ICC, our MFL department is committed to developing pupils’ understanding of the wider world and honing valuable linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills. Whilst we frequently learn new language related to a broad range of topics, reinforcing and retrieving knowledge regularly is the key aspect of learning a language: we give pupils plenty of opportunity to practise, memorise and apply the language they are learning both in and beyond the classroom.  We encourage students to develop independence in their language learning through watching video clips and films, listening to music to spark their interest and develop understanding.

How we teach

At ICC, we believe that phonics are at the heart of the language learning process.  Secure understanding of phonic sounds in French and Spanish supports students on their journey to becoming effective linguists.  Making the connection between written and spoken sounds is crucial in creating confident language learners, who will persevere with the many aspects of complex language and structures which they will meet through KS3 and 4.

Ensuring that pupils are hearing authentic language in the MFL classroom is essential in developing their confidence in listening and speaking. We endeavour to encourage students to use the target language with each other in pair and group work and when communicating with their teachers.
 

Why we teach

Developing cultural awareness is an integral part of what we do.  Therefore, regular reference to the Francophone and Hispanic world is vital to developing our students’ intercultural understanding.  We promote the idea that the learning of a second language improves the knowledge of one's own and supports vocabulary and grammatical understanding, too.  Engaging students in a variety of tasks, whether these are teacher led, student-centred or interactive, is central to supporting our learners.