Modern Foreign Languages

What is the Intent of our Languages curriculum?

At Braunton Academy, we want all students to become confident, enthusiastic language learners who enjoy communicating in another language and understanding different cultures. Our curriculum is carefully planned to help students build their skills step by step, while encouraging curiosity about the wider world.

We teach languages using a structured approach called Extensive Processing Instruction (EPI). This means students learn through lots of speaking, listening, and repetition, helping them to remember and use language with confidence. Over time, students develop the ability to express their ideas, give opinions, and communicate in real-life situations.

We also believe that learning a language helps students develop a greater understanding of other cultures and perspectives. This supports them in becoming open-minded, respectful, and well-prepared for life in a global society.

How do we deliver our curriculum?

See below.

What is the impact of our curriculum?

Learning a language opens doors to the wider world. It helps students to communicate with people from different countries and cultures, building confidence and independence.

Languages also support success in many other subjects by strengthening memory, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in different ways. Employers value language skills highly, as they demonstrate communication, adaptability, and cultural awareness.

Most importantly, learning a language builds confidence. Students gain a real sense of achievement as they begin to understand and speak another language, preparing them for future study, travel, and careers in an increasingly global world.

Through their language learning, students develop the confidence to communicate in another language and apply their skills in a range of situations.

They make strong progress over time, and our GCSE results are consistently above the national average. Many students choose to continue studying a language at GCSE and beyond.

Just as importantly, students develop valuable life skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and cultural awareness—helping them to succeed in further education and in an increasingly connected world.

What will students learn in YearS 7 - 9?

In Year 7, students study either French or Spanish for five hours every two weeks. They continue with the same language throughout Key Stage 3, up to the end of Year 9, when they choose their GCSE options. Focusing on one language helps students build confidence and fluency more quickly.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to support progress over time:
- Year 7 – Students talk about themselves, their families, and their daily lives
- Year 8 – Students describe experiences and their local area
- Year 9 – Students explore wider topics such as travel, work, and global issues

We use clear structures (called sentence builders) to support students in speaking and writing accurately. Regular practice and retrieval activities help students remember what they have learned and build long-term confidence.

A strong focus on phonics helps students develop accurate pronunciation and listening skills.

Assessment and Learning

Teachers check understanding in every lesson and provide feedback to help students improve quickly. Students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Homework is set once every two weeks, usually focusing on vocabulary learning and practising key skills to support classroom learning.

GCSE Course

At GCSE, we follow the Pearson Edexcel 9–1 course. Students build on what they have learned in Key Stage 3 and study a range of topics, including Identity and culture, School and future plans, Free time and relationships, and Travel and the wider world.

Students are assessed through exams in the four key skills, each worth 25% of the final grade.

Homework and Independent Learning

In Key Stage 3, homework is set every 2 weeks via Class Charts and is used to embed work done in the classroom. This will usually be a task using the LanguageNut website or revision for an end of module assessment.

In Key Stage 4, the homework is set weekly and can also include, reading, Listening, Writing or translation worksheets.

Extra-curricular and Enrichment Opportunities

We offer a range of opportunities beyond the classroom to bring language learning to life, including trips abroad to Paris and Barcelona, language competitions, links with partner schools, and opportunities to meet and work with speakers of other languages.

Useful links

We subscribe to  https://www.languagenut.com/  to support language and vocabulary learning at beginners, intermediate and Key Stage 4 level. (see your teacher for the username and password)  

All pupils taking MFL at GCSE will also receive login to the exam board website (https://activehub.pearson.com/)