At St Catherine’s College, our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, foster cultural understanding, and deepen students’ appreciation of the world around them. In alignment with our mission to prepare students to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers locally, nationally, and globally, we aim to empower students to achieve their God-given potential through the study of languages. 

We offer students the opportunity to study French or Spanish. Through their studies, we aim to: 

• Immerse students in the target language, promoting fluency and encouraging effective communication in a variety of contexts. 
• Provide opportunities for students to express their thoughts, enhancing their understanding of their own identity and culture, as well as those of French/Spanish-speaking countries. 
• Develop confident and adaptable linguists, equipping students with the skills to apply their learning in real-world scenarios both inside and outside the college. 
• Foster curiosity and insight, encouraging students to explore the richness and diversity of the French and Spanish-speaking world while developing a global perspective. 
• Engage students with authentic materials, in media, literature and interactive resources, to enhance learning and cultural understanding. 
• Offer a range of extracurricular opportunities to deepen their engagement with the language and culture. This includes participation in cultural events and visits, including overseas trips, to broaden students’ horizons and inspire a love for the language and culture. 

By engaging with the study of MFL, students gain: 

• Confidence in communication, enabling them to interact effectively in personal, academic, and professional settings. 
• Critical thinking skills, as they navigate new linguistic structures and cultural norms. 
• An understanding of the global relevance of languages, opening doors to future education, career and life opportunities.

MFL at St Catherine’s College is about more than just learning another language; it’s about inspiring students to become inquisitive, reflective, and globally aware individuals. Through our curriculum, students develop linguistic competence as well as the confidence, resilience, and cultural understanding to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. By fostering a lifelong love of language learning, we empower students to achieve their full potential and thrive in diverse and dynamic environments. 

Full details of the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum for all year groups can be found below. For more information, please contact Mrs K Ruff, Head of Modern Foreign Languages via kruff@stcatherines.college