Curriculum Intent:
In the MFL department at Carr Hill High School, we aim to give every student the confidence and curiosity to engage with the wider world. Through the study of Spanish, supported by the Viva AQA course, students develop the linguistic knowledge and cultural awareness needed to communicate with real purpose. Our curriculum is designed to empower students to express themselves clearly, understand others, and appreciate the diversity of Spanish-speaking communities across the globe.
We believe that languages enrich lives. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to introduce key phonics, vocabulary and grammatical structures in a logical, cumulative way, allowing students to build secure foundations and make meaningful progress. We want our students to enjoy language learning, to take pride in developing new skills, and to discover that learning Spanish can broaden their horizons far beyond the classroom.
How the MFL Curriculum Contributes to the School’s Curriculum Intent:
Knowledge:
Our curriculum provides students with a solid grasp of phonics, grammar and essential vocabulary. Knowledge is carefully built over time, with regular opportunities for retrieval and application so that learning becomes secure and sustainable.
Vocabulary Rich:
Language learning thrives on vocabulary. Students continually expand their lexicon through explicit teaching, reading tasks and speaking opportunities. High frequency and high impact words are embedded throughout the curriculum to strengthen both comprehension and communication.-frequency and high-impact words are embedded throughout the curriculum to strengthen both comprehension and communication.
Aspiration:
Learning a language encourages students to consider their place in a connected world. We promote languages as a tool for future education, travel and employment, helping students recognise the opportunities multilingualism creates and inspiring them to aim high.
Character Building:
Studying a language develops resilience, confidence and independence. Students learn to problem solve, make mistakes confidently, and persevere when challenged — skills that benefit them across all aspects of school and life.-solve, make mistakes confidently, and persevere when challenged — skills that benefit them across all aspects of school and life.
Love Learning:
We encourage students to find joy in language learning through cultural exploration, practical communication and engaging classroom activities. We want students to leave MFL with a sense of curiosity and a genuine interest in the Spanish-speaking world.-speaking world.
Our Aims for All Students:
· To develop confident communicators who can use Spanish accurately and creatively.
· To gain strong foundations in phonics, grammar and essential vocabulary.
· To explore the cultures, traditions and identities of Spanish-speaking countries.
· To become resilient, curious and independent learners.
· To celebrate language learning as a pathway to greater global understanding.
Reading in MFL:
Reading plays a central role in helping students develop confidence, comprehension and cultural awareness in Spanish. Throughout lessons, students encounter a wide range of texts drawn from the Viva and AQA schemes of work, including dialogues, adverts, articles and adapted authentic materials. To support independent reading and promote a love of language, we direct students towards high quality, free and legal bilingual Spanish–English resources. These websites offer parallel texts, audio support and graded stories suitable for KS3 and KS4 learners.-quality, free and legal bilingual Spanish–English resources. These websites offer parallel texts, audio support and graded stories suitable for KS3 and KS4 learners.
· The Spanish Experiment offers well known stories retold in both Spanish and English with clear audio narration, making it ideal for accessible bilingual reading at different stages of learning. [thespanishexperiment.com]-known stories retold in both Spanish and English with clear audio narration, making it ideal for accessible bilingual reading at different stages of learning.
· The Fable Cottage provides engaging bilingual stories written in simplified Spanish with accompanying audio, allowing learners to build vocabulary and comprehension through familiar narratives. [thefablecottage.com]
· Lenguia Spanish Stories features a wide range of free graded Spanish texts from A1 to B2, helping students progress from early KS3 reading through to GCSE-level challenge. [lenguia.com]
· Fluent With Stories offers short stories organised by difficulty, supported with accessible explanations to help students develop confidence as they move towards GCSE reading demands. [fluentwithstories.com]
These platforms allow students to engage with Spanish in a structured yet enjoyable way, supporting vocabulary development, topic knowledge and overall literacy in the target language.
Learning Beyond the Classroom in MFL:
The MFL department is committed to providing students with meaningful and memorable experiences that enrich their cultural understanding. We offer opportunities for students to take their learning further through language clubs and cultural projects that encourage confidence and curiosity. We have run many successful trips to Madrid, giving students the chance to experience authentic Spanish life, practise their language skills and develop confidence in real communicative situations. We also offer visits to authentic tapas restaurants, allowing students to explore Spanish cuisine while using the language in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. These experiences help bring Spanish to life and inspire students to continue their learning beyond school.
