The national curriculum in England requires that all pupils at key stage 3 study at least one modern foreign language during timetabled hours. Schools must offer at least one official language of the European Union (except English) as a modern foreign language. A list of these languages is available via the link on the right. Schools may, in addition, offer any other foreign language.

Programme of study and attainment targets

The programme of study sets out what pupils should be taught in MFL at key stage 3 and provides the basis for planning schemes of work. It is for schools to choose how they organise their curriculum to include the programme of study.

The attainment targets set out the knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils are expected to have by the end of key stage 3. Each attainment target consists of level descriptions of increasing difficulty. Each level description describes the types and range of performance that pupils working at that level should demonstrate. Teachers are required to assess pupils' level of attainment at the end of key stage 3 and to report this to parents.

The programme of study and attainment targets can be accessed via the National curriculum online website.

Schemes of work

Schemes of work show how the national curriculum programmes of study and attainment targets can be translated into a practical plan. They are non-statutory.

The DfES Framework for teaching modern foreign languages: Years 7, 8 and 9 is not a statutory requirement. Further information about this can be found on the DfES Standards site.

In exceptional cases, the full national curriculum may not be the most appropriate route to maximising pupils' learning and achievement. Disapplication of the national curriculum may then be considered.