| Key Stage 4 | | Useful Websites |
"Committed to providing our learners with the linguistic expertise to make
new connections, break down cultural barriers and become enthusiastic world citizens "
Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Here in the MFL department at Ladybridge our key objective is to foster the enjoyment of language learning and promote understanding and appreciation of other cultures and civilisations.
Knowledge of a foreign language can open a door to a whole new world. Whether on holiday, meeting people at work, socialising or enjoying cultural life, language skills will widen your horizons, create new opportunities and increase your appreciation of what’s out there. In an increasingly globalised workplace more Brits are working abroad, and UK companies are increasingly aware of the dividends of recruiting people with language skills. The EU recommends that all 18 year olds should have two foreign languages in addition to their own, but a shortage of linguists in the UK is leading to loss of trade every year because of language and cultural barriers. This means that there has never been a better time to learn a foreign language.
Travel abroad is a lot more interesting when you can speak the language of the country you are visiting. Learning a language could also lead to work experience abroad, the opportunity to study part of your degree in another country or perhaps voluntary or charity work abroad. The opportunities are endless! Language learning also provides you with a wide variety of skills that are transferable and useful in every area of your life, besides developing and improving your communication and literacy skills. Whatever your ability, learning another language is an immensely enjoyable and rewarding experience.
MFL and personal, learning and thinking skills
Independent enquirers
Learning another language involves learning about another country and another culture. This stimulates students’ curiosity and develops enquiring minds. By making comparisons with their own experiences and perspectives, students gain insight into their own culture and society.
Creative thinkers
Students use their existing knowledge of language in an imaginative way to communicate a wide range of ideas and opinions.
Team workers
Communication is a two way process so in MFL students frequently work in pairs and in groups for a variety of purposes. Students develop their listening skills by learning to listen carefully to others; and the process of peer assessment involves students collaborating and cooperating with others.
Self-managers
Learning a language gives students the opportunity to show personal responsibility and a commitment to learning. Students routinely have to organise their time and resources, prioritise their actions, anticipate, and take and manage risks when preparing for individual presentations or group performances.
Effective participators
Linguistic competence requires effective communication skills. Through the study of a foreign language, students learn to respond appropriately to spoken and written language, to ask and answer questions and to initiate and sustain conversation.
Reflective learners
Students constantly monitor and evaluate their success in understanding and communicating with others. The importance of redrafting written work, to improve accuracy and quality, is vital to the development of language skills.
Members of the MFL team
S Rogers Director of Standards MFL
A Walpole KS3 & KS4 class teacher
P Crawley Deputy Head teacher and KS3 class teacher
V Walker KS3 class teacher and LSA