Modern Foreign Languages

Modern Foreign Languages department Curriculum Intent

The Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum at The Buckingham School is designed to broaden horizons, foster global citizenship, and equip students with the language and cultural knowledge needed for life in a diverse and interconnected world. Rooted in our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Reflection, our curriculum empowers all students to communicate confidently, think critically, and engage meaningfully with other cultures.

Language learning at The Buckingham School promotes Success for All by being inclusive, ambitious, and empowering. We nurture students to become curious, open-minded, and resilient learners who can use language for real-life purposes—whether for travel, study, work, or personal enrichment.

Modern foreign languages DEPARTMENT ETHOS

Key Stage 3: Foundation – Engaged in building skills while showing kindness, curiosity and respect

Year 7 – Language Foundations and Cultural Awareness
Focus: Phonics, core vocabulary, classroom interaction, basic grammar
Respect: Appreciating linguistic diversity and cultural customs
Responsibility: Regular vocabulary learning, active engagement
Reflection: Identifying progress and setting personal language goals

Year 8 – Developing Communication and Cultural Understanding
Focus: Expressing opinions, describing people and places, basic tenses
Respect: Respectful discussion of other countries and ways of life
Responsibility: Using target language consistently in class and active engagement
Reflection: Responding to feedback and improving fluency

Year 9 – Confident Expression and Real-World Relevance
Focus: Extended writing and speaking, real-life scenarios, future plans
Respect: Exploring topical global issues with sensitivity
Responsibility: Researching cultural contexts, independent revision and active engagement
Reflection: Evaluating self and peer performances

End of KS3 Outcome: Engaged, kind, confident, respectful and curious learners with a strong foundation in language and culture, prepared for further study.

Key Stage 4: Independent – Becoming Independent and Culturally Literate Communicators

Years 10 & 11 – AQA GCSE French/Spanish
Focus: Listening, speaking, reading, writing, translation and cultural awareness across three broad themes: People and lifestyle, Popular culture and Communication and the world around us.

Respect: Deepening understanding of different cultures and viewpoints.
Responsibility: Active engagement in lessons, independent learning, effective exam preparation and vocabulary retention.
Reflection: Analysing strengths and areas for improvement in all skill areas

End of KS4 Outcome: Independent, articulate, and culturally aware communicators who can use their language skills for travel, further study or the workplace.

Key Stage 5: Exemplary – Deepening Expertise and Global Understanding
Years 12 & 13 – AQA A Level French/Spanish

Focus: Advanced communication skills, critical analysis of film and literature, in-depth exploration of social issues, political contexts and cultural heritage across the French - or Spanish - speaking world
Respect: Engaging thoughtfully with complex global themes and diverse perspectives.
Responsibility: Independent research, consistent revision, active use of authentic resources, and sustained target language use.
Reflection: Evaluating linguistic progress and critical engagement with content through discussion, essay writing and debate.

End of KS5 Outcome:
Exemplary, articulate, informed and culturally fluent linguists equipped for further study, international opportunities or global careers. Students leave with a profound appreciation of language as a tool for understanding the world.

Summary:

The MFL curriculum at The Buckingham School is:

Inclusive – accessible to all learners, regardless of prior experience
Aspirational – prepares students for global opportunities and future success
Values-Driven – guided by Respect, Responsibility, and Reflection

Our curriculum offers a rich and coherent journey that not only develops language proficiency but also fosters cultural empathy and prepares students to thrive in a multilingual world.

Click on the links below for French

CAREERS LINKED TO french

Modern Foreign Languages: Careers in Languages

Overview of Career Pathways

Studying a modern foreign language can lead to a wide variety of exciting career opportunities across the world. Language skills are in high demand in international business, travel and tourism, diplomacy, education, translation, interpreting, media and more.

Knowing another language allows you to connect with other cultures, communicate effectively in global settings and access opportunities that require intercultural awareness and communication.

In a globalised world, languages give you a competitive edge and open doors to working in international organisations, global companies or even abroad.

Skills Gained from Studying Languages

Language learners develop a wide range of valuable, transferable skills, including:

Communication and public speaking
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Memory and concentration
Research and analytical skills
Listening and comprehension
Adaptability and resilience
Organisation and time management
Translation and interpreting techniques
Confidence when using another language in real-life situations

These skills are not only vital for language-based roles but are also highly sought-after in many other careers.

Career Pathways

There are four main pathways into careers that use language skills:

Translation and Interpreting – Helping people understand each other across languages in written or spoken form.
Business and International Relations – Using languages in marketing, sales, finance, or diplomacy.
Education and Academic Fields – Teaching languages or using them in research and higher education.
Media, Travel, and Cultural Sectors – Working in journalism, tourism, content creation, or cultural exchange.

Example Careers in Languages

Translator or Interpreter

Translates written texts or interprets spoken language in meetings, events, or legal settings
Works in business, healthcare, law, or international relations

Diplomatic or International Relations Officer

Represents a country or organisation abroad
Works with embassies, governments, or international organisations like the UN or EU

Language Teacher

Teaches in schools, colleges, or as a private tutor
May also lead language clubs, trips abroad, or cultural events

Tour Guide or Travel Industry Specialist

Works in tourism, travel planning, or hospitality
Uses language skills to support visitors from other countries

International Marketing or Sales Executive

Works for global companies managing clients or customers overseas
Uses cultural knowledge to adapt products or campaigns

Journalist or Content Creator

Writes for international publications or creates content for multilingual audiences
May work in media, PR, or digital communication

Cultural and Arts Officer

Works on international arts projects or cultural exchanges
Uses language to coordinate events and engage communities

Next Steps

If you're interested in a career involving languages:

Take part in language clubs, exchange programmes, or pen pal projects
Consider GCSE and A-Level Modern Foreign Languages or language-based courses at college or university
Travel, volunteer, or work abroad where possible
Explore work experience in schools, businesses or international organisations

Languages connect us to the world. Whether you're teaching, translating, travelling, or managing international projects – studying a language gives you skills that last a lifetime and can take you anywhere.

ASSESSMENT

Click here for the Assessment Document for French

LEARNING JOURNEY

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Revision resources

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Click on the links below for Spanish

CAREERS LINKED TO Spanish

Modern Foreign Languages: Careers in Languages

Overview of Career Pathways

Knowing another language allows you to connect with other cultures, communicate effectively in global settings and access opportunities that require intercultural awareness and communication.

In a globalised world, languages give you a competitive edge and open doors to working in international organisations, global companies or even abroad.

Skills Gained from Studying Languages

Language learners develop a wide range of valuable, transferable skills, including:

Communication and public speaking
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Memory and concentration
Research and analytical skills
Listening and comprehension
Adaptability and resilience
Organisation and time management
Translation and interpreting techniques
Confidence when using another language in real-life situations

These skills are not only vital for language-based roles but are also highly sought-after in many other careers.

Career Pathways

There are four main pathways into careers that use language skills:

Translation and Interpreting – Helping people understand each other across languages in written or spoken form.
Business and International Relations – Using languages in marketing, sales, finance, or diplomacy.
Education and Academic Fields – Teaching languages or using them in research and higher education.
Media, Travel, and Cultural Sectors – Working in journalism, tourism, content creation, or cultural exchange.

Example Careers in Languages

Translator or Interpreter

Translates written texts or interprets spoken language in meetings, events, or legal settings
Works in business, healthcare, law, or international relations

Diplomatic or International Relations Officer

Represents a country or organisation abroad
Works with embassies, governments, or international organisations like the UN or EU

Language Teacher

Teaches in schools, colleges, or as a private tutor
May also lead language clubs, trips abroad, or cultural events

Tour Guide or Travel Industry Specialist

Works in tourism, travel planning, or hospitality
Uses language skills to support visitors from other countries

International Marketing or Sales Executive

Works for global companies managing clients or customers overseas
Uses cultural knowledge to adapt products or campaigns

Journalist or Content Creator

Writes for international publications or creates content for multilingual audiences
May work in media, PR, or digital communication

Cultural and Arts Officer

Works on international arts projects or cultural exchanges
Uses language to coordinate events and engage communities

Next Steps

If you're interested in a career involving languages:

Take part in language clubs, exchange programmes, or pen pal projects
Consider GCSE and A-Level Modern Foreign Languages or language-based courses at college or university
Travel, volunteer, or work abroad where possible
Explore work experience in schools, businesses or international organisations

ASSESSMENT

Click here for the Assessment Document for Spanish

LEARNING JOURNEY

Accordion content

Revision resources

Accordion content

The Buckingham School

Modern Foreign Languages