MFL

Introduction

Congratulations on successfully securing a conditional place on the PGCE Secondary MFL programme!

Welcome to the pre-course preparation for Trainee Secondary Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Teachers!

We're dedicated to supporting your transition from language expert to an outstanding MFL teacher, equipped with a comprehensive toolkit for success. Our programme aims to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in your new role. We will do this by:

Transforming Your Language Expertise into Exceptional Teaching:

• Subject Knowledge and Curriculum: Deepen your understanding of the target language(s) and the MFL curriculum, including the National Curriculum and current trends in language teaching.

• Unlocking Student Potential in Languages: Explore the unique challenges students face in acquiring a new language. Learn how students develop language skills, and discover engaging teaching methods to spark their passion for languages. 

• Essential Skills for the MFL Classroom: Master the art of crafting engaging lesson plans, adapting resources to cater to diverse needs, accurately assessing student progress in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), and providing constructive feedback to propel their language learning journey.

• Diverse Teaching Strategies for MFL: Develop a repertoire of dynamic teaching and learning techniques tailored to different age groups, learning styles, and student abilities. This will ensure effective communication and language acquisition in your classroom.

Programme Structure and Focus:

• Modelling Best Practices: Throughout the programme, we'll consistently demonstrate high-quality MFL instruction to provide you with valuable observations and learning opportunities.

• Evidence-Based Approach: Our programme is built upon proven methods that ensure successful language learning and teaching. 

• Reflective Practice: We'll provide opportunities for focused discussions and the practice of effective MFL teaching strategies. This will hone your ability to critically analyse your teaching and continuously improve your practice.

Developing Your Modern Foreign Languages Pedagogical Subject (Content) Knowledge (PCK):

• Foundational Language Learning Concepts: We'll emphasise the core language concepts crucial for student success. A solid foundation is essential for building future language proficiency.

• Engaging with Challenging Topics: We'll tackle challenging language aspects that students often find difficult. You'll not only solidify your own language skills but also learn effective strategies to make these aspects clear and engaging for your students.

• Exam Preparation: Gain valuable insights into exam specifications and how students need to apply their language skills in assessments. This equips you to support your students in achieving their full potential in MFL exams.

• Subject and Pedagogical Knowledge Audit: We'll guide you through a self-assessment of your subject knowledge to identify areas for development. We'll then provide resources tailored to your individual needs to bolster your language expertise and understanding of effective MFL teaching methods.

This pre-course preparation is just the beginning of your incredible journey to becoming a fantastic languages teacher! We're here to support you every step of the way as you transform your passion for languages into engaging and impactful learning experiences for your students.

To start the transition from subject expert to expert subject teacher, there are three tasks to complete prior to the start of the programme:

Task 1 - Subject Content & Curriculum Knowledge

You are not expected to know everything from within the languages curricula before September, but it is important to review and consider what you know about the curriculum structure and its content as a starting point in developing your classroom subject knowledge. 

The National Curriculum Programmes of Study: Key Stages 2-3

Read through these two brief documents (links included at the bottom of this page) and consider the following questions:

1. Why do KS2 and KS3 have the same initial aims and objectives?

2. What would you consider as ‘high frequency verbs’ for KS2, given their age range and social activities?

3. A frequent comment from KS2 practitioners is that secondary MFL teachers will ‘start from scratch’ regardless of previous learning. How can this terminology be better explained to KS2 language teachers, where the true term should be ‘revisiting and initial learning’?

4. Neither document states set topic areas to study but instead focuses on skills. Which skills are mentioned, to what level and how might you develop these over the key stage?

5. How could this information be used to develop a Year 7 scheme of work?

6. How do you think an MFL department decides on the topic area content in their schemes of work in KS3?

The National Curriculum Programmes of Study: Key Stage 4

From September 2024, new GCSE MFL Programme of Study will apply to Y10 classes. The Y11 groups, however, will still follow the previous specifications and examination format. On placement, it is unlikely that you would be allocated Y11 classes as these are seen as quite precious "exam groups", so it is more likely that you will be teaching to this new Programme of Study and the associated exam board specifications.

GCSE Specifications

Download and review the AQA Specification, Sample Assessment Materials and Markschemes for your language/s in 2 of the 4 papers: Reading & Writing (We will cover Listening and Speaking as a focus later in the course). The GCSE is a key driver in UK secondary schools, even at KS3. 

You may want to have a go at completing the exam papers as if you were a student.

Reflect: How do these exams differ from what you did at GCSE? If you were educated in another country, or following IB, how far does this differ from what you studied? What might you expect in MFL classrooms that reflect the requirements of the exam? How does the MFL Review from Section A2 in this document: MFL Pedagogy Review Report  (Bauckham, 2016, NCELP) compare to how the new exams are designed?

French

German

Spanish

Task 3 - Developing your Subject Knowledge

After completing the Subject Knowledge Audit, read the following summary document regarding the new GCSE Languages Curriculum and Specifications, paying particular attention to the Annex relating to your 1st and 2nd Target Languages.

Recommended Reading

National Curriculum Programmes of Study

Sign up and Register with the Association For Languages Learning!

Join the ALL here: https://www.all-languages.org.uk/