Department of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
Curriculum Leader:
Mrs Marie-Laure Bose (mbose@stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk)
Departmental staff:
Mrs N Kerry, Lead Practitioner of MFL
Mrs C Henderson, teacher of MFL
Modern Foreign Languages Department
At the heart of our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department is a commitment to developing confident, curious and culturally aware linguists. We offer both French and Spanish at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, delivered through a rotating curriculum model that ensures all students experience a broad and balanced linguistic education. Each Y7 cohort learns one language through KS3, French or Spanish in order to build strong foundations at KS4 if they wish to pursue their language studies.
Learning a language opens doors. It enables students to communicate across cultures, broadens their global outlook, and develops key transferable skills such as problem-solving, resilience and adaptability. In an increasingly interconnected world, languages are not just an academic subject—they are a vital life skill that fosters understanding, empathy and opportunity.
Our curriculum is built around a simple principle:
People remember stories better than they remember lists.
Students follow the lives of recurring characters whose stories develop throughout their journey from Key Stage 2 to GCSE. These characters become the vehicle through which vocabulary, phonics, grammar and cultural understanding are taught, revisited and mastered.
By placing language within a meaningful narrative, students build rich mental schemas that support long-term memory, deeper understanding and greater confidence in communication.
Our curriculum aims to ensure that all students:
- Develop confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing in French or Spanish.
- Build a secure foundation of vocabulary, phonics and grammar.
- Understand and appreciate the diversity of the Francophone and Hispanic worlds.
- Develop curiosity about different cultures, traditions and perspectives.
- Become increasingly independent language learners.
- Acquire the knowledge and skills required for success at GCSE and beyond.
- See themselves as capable linguists, regardless of background or prior attainment.
Through these pillars, students develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, gaining a deep understanding of linguistic structures alongside an appreciation of diverse cultures.
We believe that language learning goes far beyond the classroom. Students benefit from a wide range of Trust-wide and school-based enrichment opportunities, designed to bring languages to life. These include:
- Celebration of the European Day of Languages
- Cultural events such as themed food days, competitions and creative activities
- Opportunities to engage with authentic materials and cultural experiences
- Online talks about Languages & Careers
Across the Trust, enrichment plays a key role in widening students’ cultural capital and inspiring a love of languages.
To further enhance learning, we offer educational visits to France and Spain, giving students the opportunity to experience the language and culture first-hand. These trips are invaluable in building confidence, independence and a genuine appreciation of the wider world.
Please visit our gallery!
Students get to experience the cultures of other countries not only in the classroom but in cultural visits to France and Belgium.
Students also get to try some of the finest and typical foods of Spain or France to appreciate their culinary products.
Whilst abroad, students get to take part in bread making sessions.