“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." ‒ Nelson Mandela

The MFL Department at Walthamstow Academy works collaboratively and creatively, supporting and challenging all students with engaging lessons. The team are dedicated to leading students towards their targets, ensuring that students make rapid progress, achieving the best possible results. Beyond this, the department is committed to nurturing a love of languages and culture.

In Key Stage 3 students are introduced to languages and develop their learning through a variety of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students study a variety of useful topics such as greetings, family, home town, sports and health. Additionally, students learn how translate texts in preparation for GCSE.

At Key Stage 4 students prepare for and sit the AQA French or Spanish GCSE exam.  The GCSE is assessed through terminal examinations covering all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. GCSE languages help students improve their ability to write and speak in French, or Spanish and to understand the language when it is written down or spoken. Students develop their language skills in a variety of contexts and gain a broad understanding of the culture of countries and communities where French or Spanish is spoken. It encourages an enjoyment of language learning and enables students to take their place in a multi-lingual global society, helping them on their journey to further studies and the world of work.

This new specification requires students to develop their ability to write, speak and translate into or from target language. Topics include more culturally appropriate themes such as identity and culture, customs and festivals relating to the target language country, new technology in everyday life, free time activities and local, national, international and global areas of interest.

AS and A-level qualifications in MFL will appeal to students looking to broaden their existing knowledge of languages, and will help them on their journey to further studies and the world of work. It develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning, and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context.

At the AS Level, students will study a variety of compulsory topics ranging from Aspects of French Speaking society; comprising current trends, the changing nature of family, the “cyber society” and the place of voluntary work. They will also study the artistic culture in the French speaking world which includes contemporary francophone music and cinema.

At A2 Level, students will study a wide range of topics covering Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world: This topic comprises of teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment, demonstrations, politics and immigration. Students also have to conduct an individual research on a subject of personal interest, relating to the country where the language of study is spoken.

The MFL Department at Walthamstow Academy is made up of a dynamic team of teachers who inspire students to achieve highly.

• Mr Julius Kejem– Head of MFL
• Ms Aleida Izquierdo - PHSE Coordinator
• Ms Jo-Grace Munyangaju
• Ms Adeline Gul