Modern foreign languages (MFL)

Learning a language broadens horizons, instils confidence and deepens the understanding of the world in which we currently live. The benefits of being able to communicate in a second language are profound, opening minds to different cultures, developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as well as increasing employability.

The Modern Foreign Languages department at Rye Hills Academy utilises these core beliefs to develop curious and confident language learners of the future who will have the skills and capacity to master whichever language they may choose.

During their time with us at Rye Hills, students have the opportunity to visit France and Spain with the Academy. Cultural trips aim to ‘put into practice’ the skills learnt within the classroom and students are encouraged to practise their Spanish throughout the visit. This is a real opportunity to bring the subject to life for our learners. For those unable to travel, we bring the world to our classroom by celebrating festivals, being exposed to the latest songs, cultural anthems, clips from French and Spanich news and interviews, and authentic texts from French and Spanish literature, newspapers and magazines. All students have the opportunity to develop conversational language skills and the necessary key language to successfully complete daily tasks such as booking a table in a restaurant, hotel reservations, asking for directions etc. Comme c’est génial!

What do our students say?

I really enjoy learning French. Learning a new language is fun because you’re learning how to communicate with different people. - William Year 9

I’m really glad I took French at GCSE. The teacher is nice and knowledgeable, and as well as learning a new language, I am improving my problem-solving skills. - Becky Year 10

I love learning Spanish because I really enjoy learning how Spanish people communicate. Learning about food and culture is eye-opening! Plus, our teacher is lovely which helps. - Josie Year 9

Spanish is a great GCSE option. It helps you to broaden your horizons, learn about culture and it helps to find the interconnections between culture and languages. - Jack Year 10

Our curriculum

In addition to our aim of creating independent, motivated language learners, MFL also contributes to the development of cultural capital in a variety of ways every lesson. Language and culture are explored every lesson, covering a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

Spanish

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Year 7	Yo Mi familia	Mi insti Vivo aquí	Mi tiempo libro Me encanta el verano
Year 8	Las vacaciones el año pasado Las vacaciones este verano	A comer El deporte / la salud	Los medios y la tecnología De compras
Year 9	Los jóvenes En el extranjero	Mi futuro Cuando era joven	Bienvenido a mi casa Festivales
Year 10	Travel and tourism School	Education post-16 and Jobs Healthy living	Technology in everyday life Family, marriage and partnership
Year 11	Social and Global issues Where I live	Free time & Festivals	GCSE exams

French

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Year 7	Tout sur moi Ma famille	Mon collège Là où j’habite	A table Projets d’été
Year 8	Mes passe-temps Je suis sportif	L’année dernière en vacances Les médias	La technologie La sante
Year 9	Les ados A l’étranger	Mon avenir Quand j’étais plus jeune	Chez moi Célébrez !
Year 10	Travel and tourism School	Education post-16 and Jobs Healthy living	Technology in everyday life Family, marriage and partnership
Year 11	Social and Global issues Where I live	Free time & Festivals	GCSE exams