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MFL

A Level Modern Foreign Languages (French, German & Spanish – Eduqas)

Why Choose MFL at JKHS?

At John Kyrle High School, we are a team of specialist linguists who teach French, German, and Spanish from Year 7 through to Year 13. We build strong relationships with our students, creating a supportive and engaging environment that encourages confidence and curiosity in language learning.

Vocabulary acquisition is at the heart of our curriculum. Regular vocabulary practice and testing ensure students develop a rich and lasting understanding of the language.

We make consistent and intentional use of the target language in lessons. This develops students’ understanding of phonics and pronunciation while encouraging them to speak and think in the language themselves. Teachers tailor target-language use to students’ ability levels, making it a natural and integral part of daily classroom routines.

Our curriculum develops all four key language skills — speaking, listening, reading, and writing — through authentic resources and regular use of our language lab, which further enhances learning.

The MFL Department’s passion for languages for all drives everything we do. We believe that learning a language opens doors — not just to higher education and employment, but to new cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Many of our students go on to study languages at university or use their language skills in careers across the world — from Martinique and Nicaragua to Mongolia and Austria.

Exam Board

We follow the Eduqas specification for A Level Languages:

Assessment

To study a language at A Level, students should have achieved at least a Grade 5 at GCSE in that language.

The A Level course is structured around four modules each year, forming the basis of the listening, reading, writing, and speaking exams. Translation is also a key feature of the course. There is no coursework component.

With approximately five hours of class time per week, this is a fast-paced and immersive course where students quickly see their skills and confidence grow.

A Level Language Assessment Overview:

  • Component 1: Speaking assessment – 30%

  • Component 2: Listening, reading, and translation – 50%

  • Component 3: Written response to two works – 20%
    (Students study either two literary works, or one literary work and one feature film.)

Subject Content

A Level Languages combine linguistic development with a deep understanding of culture, history, and society. Students not only gain fluency but also explore how language reflects identity and change.

Each year includes study of both cultural and social topics, as well as a literary text or film.

Topics in Year 12

Areas of Interest:

  • Social Issues and Trends

  • Political, Intellectual, and Artistic Culture

Themes & Sub-Themes:

  • Being a young person in society

  • Families and citizenship (changing family structures, being a good citizen)

  • Youth trends and personal identity (relationships, fashion, peer pressure)

  • Education and employment opportunities (work and travel, the changing workplace)

  • Contemporary youth culture (regional culture, heritage, festivals, customs, entertainment, music, and the arts)

Topics in Year 13

Areas of Interest:

  • Social Issues and Trends

  • Political, Intellectual, and Artistic Culture

Themes & Sub-Themes:

  • Diversity and difference (migration, integration, cultural identity, and marginalisation)

  • Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference

  • Discrimination and diversity

  • Country-specific historical and cultural themes such as:

    • World War II (French/German focus)

    • The Spanish Civil War (Spanish focus)

Trips and Enrichment

Recent A Level trips have included visits to Paris, Normandy, and the Rhineland, with further exciting opportunities planned. These experiences bring language and culture to life, allowing students to use their language skills in authentic settings.

A measure of our success is the number of students who continue with languages at university. Employment rates after a language degree are among the highest, as employers value strong communication skills and cultural awareness.

Qualification at a Glance

Exam Board
Eduqas – A Level French, German, and Spanish

Assessment

  • Component 1: Speaking – 30%

  • Component 2: Listening, Reading & Translation – 50%

  • Component 3: Written Response (Literary/Film Study) – 20%

  • No Coursework

Entry Requirements
Students should have achieved at least a Grade 5 in GCSE French, German, or Spanish.

Skills Developed

  • Fluency in spoken and written communication

  • Translation and comprehension

  • Analytical understanding of language structure

  • Cultural and historical awareness

  • Confidence and adaptability in communication

Enrichment

  • Regular use of the language lab

  • Educational trips abroad (e.g. Paris, Normandy, Rhineland)

  • Strong links to universities and careers in linguistics, translation, education, and international business

 

 

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