Curriculum – Website 

Department  

MFL 

KS3 Intent  

 

At Burton Borough School we have developed a curriculum that is carefully designed and implemented.  We believe that through an inclusive and engaging curriculum we support the holistic development of our students. Our students will be empowered and inspired to achieve in all that they do.  Our aim at Burton Borough is to provide an excellent education for all our students, by offering a curriculum that creates responsible citizens, who make a positive contribution to the community in which they live, the society they will shape and an ever-changing world that they have at their fingertips.   

 

We use the National Curriculum to form the basis of our curriculum. It is informed by evidence-based research so that it can best support all our students’ needs.   A student-centred approach allows the curriculum to be tailored and adapted to needs, interests and abilities of students. 

 

KS3 Implementation  

Key Principles Embedded Across KS3 

  • Phonics-first approach to improve pronunciation, spelling, and decoding. 

  • High-frequency vocabulary taught systematically, mirroring Edexcel's GCSE lists. 

  • Grammar progression taught explicitly and revisited in context. 

  • Cultural enrichment to develop global awareness and intercultural understanding. 

  • Assessment for learning through regular low-stakes quizzes, self-reflection, and formative tasks. 

  • Preparation for GCSE through exposure to GCSE-style tasks and gradual increase in cognitive demand. 

 

KS3 Impact 

Progress in language learning at Burton Borough School is continuously monitored through a combination of formative and summative assessments, ensuring that students build and retain knowledge over time. In each lesson, progress is tracked through regular quizzes on vocabulary and grammar and ongoing feedback. Retrieval practice plays a key role, enabling students to assess their own understanding, identify gaps, and develop the metacognitive skills necessary for independent learning. Through regular recall, feedback, and opportunities to improve their work, students gain confidence in their speaking, reading, and writing skills, fostering a sense of self-efficacy. 

KS3 Homework 

Learning HWK is set using the sentence builders (students learn key knowledge through revision techniques/ quizzing tasks etc.) – via the LanguageNut platform. 

HWK set is specific to each teacher and class and is set at least 1x a week 

KS3 Enrichment  

  • European Day of Languages 

Spanish students  

Onatti Plays  

 

KS3 Careers 

There is a demand for linguists across a range of sectors. Linguists work in travel and tourism industries, hospitality and catering, translation and interpreting, teaching, law, banking, media, sport and consultancy, as well as many forms of engineering and different government departments. 

Typical employers include: 

  • local and central government 

  • tour operators 

  • global corporations 

  • schools, colleges, and universities 

  • police force 

  • professional sports teams 

  • legal firms 

  • energy companies 

  • advertising agencies 

 

KS4 intent  

At Key Stage 4, the MFL Department builds on the foundational knowledge and skills developed in Key Stage 3, aiming to deepen students’ linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. Our intent is to equip students with the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts, fostering their confidence as competent linguists. 

We continue to focus on enhancing students’ understanding of phonology, vocabulary, and grammar while reinforcing the principles of retrieval practice and chunking techniques. This approach ensures that students not only retain essential language knowledge but can also apply it creatively in real-life situations. Additionally, we are dedicated to developing all four language skills (receptive: listening and reading; productive: speaking and writing) as well as exam skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for their GCSE assessments. 

As our students progress through Key Stage 4, they will build on their prior learning to excel in their GCSE examinations, with opportunities to pursue both Foundation and Higher tiers. Our goal is to instil a lifelong appreciation for language learning, empowering students to engage meaningfully with different cultures and communities beyond the classroom 

 

KS4 implementation 

At Key Stage 4, the implementation of the MFL curriculum is strategically designed to build on the skills and knowledge acquired in Key Stage 3. We utilise a structured approach that combines focused instruction, regular assessment, and targeted feedback to support student progress. 

Lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, incorporating a variety of teaching methods that cater to diverse needs of our students. We emphasise communicative activities and real-life language applications to enhance students’ speaking and listening skills. 

A key component of our implementation strategy is the development of exam skills. We integrate practice assessments and mock exams into the curriculum to familiarise students with the GCSE format and expectations. This includes targeted revision sessions that focus on key vocabulary, grammar points, and effective exam techniques. 

To reinforce learning, we employ retrieval practice and chunking techniques, allowing students to recall and apply their knowledge effectively. Regular review sessions are built into the curriculum to help students consolidate their understanding and build confidence. 

We also incorporate cultural elements into our lessons, fostering students’ appreciation of different societies and their languages. This includes exploring authentic materials, such as music, films, and literature, as well as discussions on global issues and cultural events. 

Ongoing formative assessments provide insights into student progress, enabling timely feedback and tailored support. This ensures that students are aware of their strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their learning journey. 

Through these strategies, we aim to create a comprehensive and supportive learning environment that not only prepares students for their GCSE exams but also inspires a lifelong passion for languages and intercultural understanding. 

 

KS4 Impact  

Through focused preparation and practice, students become familiar with exam formats and expectations. This results in increased confidence and reduced anxiety during assessments, contributing to higher overall achievement. 

Our curriculum fosters a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Students engage with authentic materials and real-world contexts, developing an open-minded approach and a global outlook that prepares them for life beyond school. 

 

KS4 Homework 

Learning HWK is set using the sentence builders (students learn key knowledge through revision techniques/ quizzing tasks etc.) – via the LanguageNut platform. 

HWK set is specific to each teacher and class and is set at least 1x a week 

In addition, writing and speaking pieces are set bi weekly  

KS4 Enrichment  

  • KS4 Paris and Malaga visit 

  • European Day of Languages 

 

KS4 Careers 

There is a demand for linguists across a range of sectors. Linguists work in travel and tourism industries, hospitality and catering, translation and interpreting, teaching, law, banking, media, sport and consultancy, as well as many forms of engineering and different government departments. 

Typical employers include: 

  • local and central government 

  • tour operators 

  • global corporations 

  • schools, colleges, and universities 

  • police force 

  • professional sports teams 

  • legal firms 

  • energy companies 

  • advertising agencies 

 


For more information regarding the MFL Curriculum please contact the Head of Department via our contact form