Modern Foreign Languages

Exam Board:

AQA

What will I study on the course:

You will develop practical communication skills in your chosen modern foreign language (e.g., French, German, or Spanish), focusing on real-life contexts and cultural understanding. Key components include:

• Identity and Culture – Topics such as family, friends, free time, customs, traditions, and daily life in countries where the language is spoken.
• Local, National, International, and Global Areas of Interest – Themes like home and local area, holidays, social issues, global events, environment, and technology.
• Current and Future Study and Employment – School life, future plans, jobs, careers, and ambitions.
• Grammar, Vocabulary, and Skills Development – Building accurate use of key grammar (tenses, structures), vocabulary for everyday and topic-specific situations, and balanced practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

The course combines classroom learning with interactive activities, role-plays, group work, listening to authentic materials, and cultural exploration (e.g., films, music, food, festivals), developing confidence in using the language for communication while emphasising pronunciation, cultural awareness, and real-world relevance.

How is the course assessed:

100% external examination at the end of the course (graded 9–1 at GCSE level; Foundation tier grades 1–5, Higher tier grades 4–9):

• Listening – Exam paper with questions on spoken passages (including authentic sources), around 25%.
• Speaking – Teacher-conducted oral exam (role-play, photo description, conversation), around 25%.
• Reading – Exam paper with comprehension tasks, texts, and short translation, around 25%.
• Writing – Exam paper with structured tasks, open responses, and translation, around 25%.

Total guided learning hours: approximately 120–150 over two years (Key Stage 4). The qualification is linear, with all exams taken at the end of Year 11 under exam conditions.

Post-16 courses:

A Level in the same language (or another MFL), IB Diploma with language options, Level 3 BTEC in International Business or Travel & Tourism (with language elements), university degrees in languages, linguistics, international relations, or combined courses. A good GCSE grade (especially 6+) supports progression to sixth form, college, or apprenticeships requiring language skills.

Careers:

Interpreter, translator, language teacher, international business roles, tourism/hospitality manager, diplomat, export sales executive, flight attendant, journalist, EU/international organisation worker, or roles in global companies, marketing, law, or government. The UK values multilingual skills highly, with demand in trade, diplomacy, tech, and services offering travel opportunities and competitive salaries.

Specific advantages:

This course is highly interactive and communication-focused, building confidence through speaking and real conversations, which many students enjoy more than purely written subjects. It develops essential life skills early (e.g., listening actively, expressing opinions, cultural sensitivity, adaptability), suits those who like travel, people, cultures, or global issues, and offers a clear route to further language study or international careers. At Discovery Academy (or similar Stoke-on-Trent secondary settings), lessons often include fun, practical activities like debates, cultural projects, and use of technology, making it engaging and relevant to a connected world.

How useful it is in the real world: