Subject intent

Lifelong Joy, Friendship and a stronger Community through the learning of languages.

Languages are an integral part of the curriculum with the ability to liberate students from potential insularity, providing them with an opening to a range of social benefits, academic and career opportunities, and other cultures. In the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department, we aspire to nurture students to be open-minded and have an interest in the wider world; thus, we encourage students to break out of the potential narrowness of their own environment and broaden their horizons.

The MFL curriculum at John Ferneley College has been designed to ensure that, through providing a broad curriculum and knowledge-rich resourcing, all students, regardless of background or prior attainment, experience success in language acquisition. Our teachers all have the highest of expectations of our students, regardless of starting point or background, because we are passionate about finding that untapped potential in our students and supporting the development of well-rounded and confident young linguists and global citizens. 

We prepare our students to be able to express their ideas and thoughts in another language, as well as understanding and responding to other speakers of the language. We aim for students to feel confident using a range of vocabulary with a strong knowledge of phonics and grammar. Students should be able to see how vocabulary can be used across topics and real-life situations. We also want our learners to be able to use their language skills for real purposes, whether they are on holiday or are on a business trip. For that reason, we ensure that each unit has the opportunity to practise using transactional vocabulary linked to the topic they are learning. 

Through learning a foreign language, students are able to learn new ways of thinking, developing essential soft skills such as problem-solving, time-management, patience and self-confidence. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the world's cultures with the potential to engage in real cultural opportunities with domestic trips and foreign trips. Students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular cultural activities and competitions which are held throughout the year to celebrate cultural events such as European Day of Languages and Christmas. 

We firmly believe that, as educators, it is our purpose to cultivate well-rounded global citizens who sustain a life-long love of learning and who not only accept, but actively celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. In harbouring a love for language, appreciating others' cultures, and feeling more confident about exploring new opportunities, we hope that students will venture out into the world - socially, academically and professionally - to become true global citizens. 

Subject journey