Curriculum intent
Modern foreign languages at Retford Oaks Academy open students’ minds to other cultures, perspectives and ways of communicating. We aim to develop confident linguists who can understand and express themselves in another language, while also gaining a deeper appreciation of the wider world.
Through a carefully sequenced curriculum in French and Spanish, students build their ability to communicate for real purposes, both orally and in writing. Alongside language knowledge, students develop cultural awareness, resilience and confidence in tackling unfamiliar language.
Key stage 3: years 7–9
At key stage 3, students build a strong foundation in either French or Spanish, developing core vocabulary, grammar and communication skills. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, relevant and progressively challenging, with cultural themes embedded throughout.
In year 7, students are introduced to key language skills such as introducing themselves, talking about family and describing people. In Spanish, students also explore topics such as hobbies and their home and local area, alongside a film study of Encanto. In French, students cover similar foundations, including family, hobbies and local area, alongside a film study of Le Petit Nicolas.
In year 8, students expand their ability to communicate across a wider range of topics. In Spanish, they learn to talk about plans, school, food, health, holidays and technology, alongside cultural study of traditions such as Christmas in Spain, Las Fallas and La Tomatina. In French, students develop their conversational skills through topics such as food, free time, travel, TV and film, sports and healthy living, alongside cultural insights into French traditions, festivals and planning a trip to Paris.
In year 9, students develop greater fluency and confidence by working with more complex language and tenses. In Spanish, they explore topics such as fashion, holidays and global issues, including a film study of The Book of Life. They also begin to explore South America through more extended writing and speaking tasks. In French, students build confidence discussing future plans, music, eating habits, francophone countries, animals and the environment, developing their ability to express opinions and justify ideas.
Key stage 4: GCSE
At key stage 4, students can choose to continue their study of either French or Spanish, developing the ability to communicate effectively in a range of real-life contexts.
The GCSE course is structured around three key themes:
Theme 1: people and lifestyle
Students explore identity, relationships, health, education and work.
Theme 2: popular cultures
Students study free-time activities, customs, festivals, celebrations and celebrity culture.
Theme 3: communication and the world around us
Students develop language skills linked to travel, tourism, media, technology, the environment and where people live.
Through these themes, students develop their ability to speak, listen, read and write in the target language with increasing accuracy and confidence. The course also strengthens cultural awareness and communication skills, which are highly valued by employers and universities.
Skills and personal development
Through languages, students develop a wide range of transferable skills that support both academic success and future opportunities. These include:
- communication and confidence in speaking
- listening and comprehension skills
- memory and vocabulary development
- cultural awareness and global understanding
- resilience and problem-solving
Students learn to communicate in new ways, developing confidence in expressing ideas beyond their first language.
Enrichment opportunities
Students are given opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through cultural activities, overseas trips, film studies, themed lessons and exposure to traditions from French and Spanish-speaking countries. These experiences help bring language learning to life and deepen cultural understanding.
