Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Our aim is to deliver a rich and inspiring curriculum which gives every student the opportunity to understand and communicate in a foreign language.

The curriculum allows students to appreciate how languages work and enables them to apply this understanding to both foreign languages and their own. In addition to their linguistic development, students also gain an insight into another culture and way of life, thus broadening their global awareness. Above all, language learning at Sandringham provides mastery of transferable skills such as critical thinking, independent study, creative thinking and problem-solving.

Key Stage 3

We offer French or Spanish in Year 7. The four upper sets take up German as a second language in Year 8. Year 9 students continue with the same language as in Year 7 and Year 8. Students in the four upper sets who took up German in Year 8 can also choose to continue learning German in Year 9. Students learn to talk about themselves, their families, friends and interests. They learn about the various countries and cultures where the language is spoken. Students develop the skill of manipulating language by applying the rules to new situations as they become competent and confident language users.

Key Stage 4

Most students are expected to study one foreign language to GCSE level. At Sandringham, we offer students the choice of French, German and Spanish, following the AQA specification. Students taking their examination from summer 2026 onwards will follow the new EDEXCEL GCSE specification. Whichever language they choose, students will learn to communicate effectively in written and spoken language and develop a high level of competency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation skills. Students will also gain a thorough understanding how each language is constructed.

Key Stage 5

Students follow the AQA course at A Level. The curriculum has a broad content and, in addition to the language itself, covers aspects of the culture, history, politics and contemporary issues in the French / Spanish-speaking world. There is also the opportunity to study one film and one novel in depth. Students work closely with the language assistants to improve their speaking and listening skills.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Maps

FRENCH Curriculum Map – Year 7

FRENCH Curriculum Map – Year 8

FRENCH Curriculum Map – Year 9

SPANISH Curriculum Map – Year 7

SPANISH Curriculum Map – Year 8

SPANISH Curriculum Map – Year 9

GERMAN Curriculum Map – Year 8

GERMAN Curriculum Map – Year 9

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Maps

FRENCH Curriculum Map – Year 10

FRENCH Curriculum Map – Year 11

SPANISH Curriculum Map – Year 10

SPANISH Curriculum Map – Year 11

GERMAN Curriculum Map – Year 10

GERMAN Curriculum Map – Year 11

Key Stage 5 Curriculum Maps

FRENCH Curriculum Map – Year 12

FRENCH Curriculum Map – Year 13

SPANISH Curriculum Map – Year 12

SPANISH Curriculum Map – Year 13

GERMAN Curriculum Map – Year 13

Super Curriculum

To access the Super Curriculum for this subject please visit the Super Curriculum page HERE

How parents/carers can support learning

At KS3, parents can support learning by engaging with the high-frequency vocabulary project, which can be accessed via the KS3 curriculum tab. Beyond this, parents can further support by encouraging students to adopt good learning habits around accumulating vocabulary related to the programme of study.

Extra curricular actvity

1. Year 8 trip to Pas de Calais
2. Year 8 trip to Rhineland
3. German Exchange to Hamburg
4. French Exchange to Annecy
5. Spanish Exchange to Seville