Outstanding teaching and learning in MFL at KS3-4: Rethinking pedagogy in the context of the knowledge based-curriculum

Why this course?

The educational agenda is shifting:

  • Knowledge first – Schools are moving increasingly towards a knowledge-based curriculum.
  • Ofsted – Inspections are now focussing less on raw results and more on how those are attained.
  • MFL pedagogy – A recent review endorsed by the DfE has triggered a reassessment of MFL pedagogy.

Key areas of focus

Light on jargon and high on practicalities, this course will address KS3-4 questions such as:

  • Knowledge acquisition/skills development – How are the ‘know’ and the ‘know how’ meant to be reconciled in the context of the knowledge-based curriculum currently being promoted?
  • Topics/grammar – After several decades of topic-led practice, how should topics be fitted into the more grammar-led approach which is now being advocated?
  • Communication/grammar – Spontaneity… creativity... How can a grammar-led approach be made to foster communication?
  • Sequencing learning – Where topics lead the show, linguistic progression tends to be flawed. What steps can be taken to ensure that the right things are taught in the right order?
  • Retrieval practice – This strategy is now being heavily promoted but runs the risk of being used in a tokenistic manner. How can it be built meaningfully into content-heavy MFL?
  • KS3/GCSE readiness – KS3 needs to build a strong foundation for further learning, but this should not involve morphing KS3 into a GCSE practice stage. Ofsted are highly critical of this recent tendency and have reiterated the value of the National Curriculum at KS3. What priorities will stand KS3 MFL learners in good stead for KS4?
  • Visibility/effectiveness – In some schools, the evidencing agenda of recent years has pushed teachers into prioritising visibility at the expense of effectiveness. How can the two be reconciled in the MFL classroom?
  • Schemes of work – Conventional schemes of work do not necessarily have the impact on teaching and learning which had been expected. What can make the planning process manageable and more effective?

A teacher-friendly course

In her usual fashion, Martine will concentrate essentially on activity styles which:

  • demand little preparation;
  • are easy to explain to students;
  • are readily applicable to a variety of languages and topics.

Presenter Profile

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Martine Pillette is an independent MFL consultant and author and a senior examiner for an international organisation. As well as working with individual schools to help MFL departments review aspects of their practice, Martine is frequently involved in initiatives aimed at supporting MFL teaching at KS2-5. She is well known for her realistic and engaging classroom ideas and for helping teachers find manageable ways of tackling the forever changing curriculum agenda.

Feedback from teachers on Martine’s courses

A great course with some practical tips that do not require extra work. I have a bank of practical tips that I can use tomorrow.
A very relevant up-to-date course. Excellent delivery – right balance of practical examples and lots of everyday activities that take little preparation. Enjoyable, informative and useful. Thank you!
Fantastic presenter on a really worthwhile topic.

So many ideas! I feel excited about my work.
Made me think about how to develop skills and break away from looking at topics. Focus on communication and confidence.

Cost: £185 per delegate which includes lunch and resources; £250 for 2 teachers from the same school booking on this course

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