The Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department at the City of London Academy is committed to providing a range of language learning opportunities for all pupils.

Year 7 to 9 pupils have 5 teaching hours per fortnight of Modern Foreign Languages. The course is designed to cover all of the requirements of the Key Stage 3 programme of study and it also supports Foundation Subjects MFL, including the Framework for Teaching MFL. The languages taught are currently French and Spanish and it is anticipated that there will be additional languages available as the Academy grows. Next year, the Sixth Form will offer Advanced Level courses in French and Spanish.

During the course of the year, pupils develop their language skills across the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Assessments take place at the end of each unit (one unit per half-term) and levels are given in accordance with the National Curriculum. Differentiated resources ensure that pupils’ needs are met, with additional reinforcement or extension as is required. Grammar is integrated throughout the scheme of work to help pupils understand the building blocks of language.

The department is well-resourced with ICT equipment and pupils can use lap-top computers to access multi-media language learning packages as well as authentic material via the Internet. Audio-visual equipment is also exploited to consolidate learning. Now that we have moved to our brand new building, the MFL department has its own state-of-the-art multi-media language lab.

To help encourage pupils develop an interest in languages, the MFL department seeks to maximise language learning experiences. These experiences include educational visits with either a cultural or business-related focus. With our close links to the City of London, the MFL department hopes to establish relationships with a number of international organisations, with the aim of developing opportunities for the City of London Academy pupils throughout their education and beyond. Language skills improve employability and this key message is reinforced through the creation of these business links.

The MFL Department is currently staffed by three full-time members of staff, with the additional assistance of a Foreign Languages Assistant from France.