Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Languages Secondary Professional Network
Overview
The Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Subject Leaders’ training and development programme offers a valuable opportunity for leaders across the Trust to collaborate, share expertise, and engage in meaningful dialogue around the evolving French, Spanish, and German new curricula. Through these sessions and beyond, Subject Leaders can exchange best practice and support one another. Sessions will focus on key areas, determined by the teaching and learning data generated from each school. The collaborative approach aims to develop staff and raise students’ attainment in Modern Foreign Languages across the Trust.
Our Aims
- To rapidly raise attainment and close learning gaps for Year 11 students in response to 2026 GCSE outcomes
- Equip Middle Leaders to enhance subject leadership and provision, ensuring greater coherence and challenge within the curriculum
- Foster high-performing school cultures rooted in high expectations for every pupil, ensuring all pupils can succeed regardless of their socio-economic background.
- Enhance teachers’ subject knowledge and knowledge of the new MFL curriculum.
- Inspire teachers to foster engagement, enjoyment, curiosity, and intellectual independence both within and beyond MFL curriculum classrooms.
Course Leader
Sarah McCarthy
ALP Strategic Leader of MFL
Sarah McCarthy is an experienced Modern Foreign Languages teacher with over fifteen years of expertise in teaching German and French. With more than a decade of leadership as Head of MFL, Sarah has a track record of driving improvement, fostering high standards, and leading curriculum innovation.
Currently serving as the Strategic Leader of MFL across the ALP trust, Sarah plays a key role in shaping and developing language education at a wider level. She is passionate about creating engaging, forward-thinking learning experiences that inspire both students and staff.
In addition to her leadership role, Sarah is an AQA GCSE examiner for German speaking, giving her valuable insight into national assessment standards and expectations. Her deep subject knowledge, strategic vision, and commitment to high-quality teaching make her a strong advocate for the continued growth and success of MFL within the curriculum.