Curriculum Intent Overview

Content and Skills 

At Mowbray Education Trust, the languages curriculum fosters curiosity and appreciation for European cultures whilst equipping students with essential communication skills. Students may study French, German or Spanish.  Our approach ensures foundational language skills and a deep understanding of grammar and vocabulary, aligned with National Curriculum expectations. 

The curriculum introduces key vocabulary and grammatical structures, enabling students to express opinions, justify ideas, and use multiple tenses by the end of Key Stage 3. Regular assessments, including vocabulary tests and cumulative evaluations, reinforce long-term retention and application of knowledge. Through engaging lessons, students develop problem-solving, analytical and collaborative skills, preparing them for the challenges of GCSE and beyond. 

Progression 

The languages curriculum is meticulously sequenced to build knowledge and skills for seamless progression to Key Stage 4. Students acquire a solid foundation in phonics, grammar, and vocabulary, which are revisited and expanded throughout their learning journey. For example, early exposure to tenses and sentence structures enables students to produce high-quality written and spoken work at GCSE. 

From Key Stage 3, the curriculum incorporates GCSE-relevant vocabulary and tasks, such as describing photos and completing writing tasks of increasing complexity. By embedding skills like dictation and interleaving key concepts, students are prepared for the demands of formal assessments. This robust foundation ensures all students, regardless of ability, have the tools to succeed and transition confidently to Key Stage 5, where they will explore advanced linguistic and cultural concepts. 

Wider Impact 

Over five years, the languages curriculum provides students with the tools to become confident global citizens. Through immersive cultural experiences, such as trips to Europe and participation in events like the European Day of Languages, students gain a deeper understanding of diverse cultures. Lessons incorporate authentic materials, historical contexts, and opportunities for real-world language application, fostering a lifelong appreciation for linguistic diversity. 

Languages at Mowbray Education Trust nurture critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience, skills essential for success in education and future careers. By celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity, the curriculum inspires students to explore new opportunities and embrace global perspectives. Ultimately, our aim is to cultivate open-minded, confident individuals ready to thrive in a connected and ever-changing world.