Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Languages
Intent:
At Sacred Heart Primary School, we believe that the MFL curriculum prepares all pupils to lead a full life by teaching the skills they need to become linguists. We understand how important it is for our pupils to have a love of languages so that they are able to communicate with people from other countries. We have therefore created a carefully thought out curriculum, to ensure the journey our pupils experience is purposeful, inspiring, successful and one which prepares them for the next stage of their linguistic journey.
We aim to develop children’s experience of language acquisition and encourage curiosity about languages. To develop their understanding of what they hear and read, and have an ability to express themselves in speech and writing. Extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences between French and English. And strengthen their sense of identity through learning about culture in Francophone countries and comparing it with their own culture.
Implementation:
Long term planning is based on the yearly teaching programmes set out in the National Curriculum and outlined in Sacred Heart Primary School’s ‘Whole School Curriculum’ document. This ensures that our children can develop depth in their French knowledge and skills over the duration of the academic year.
Medium term planning is carried out half-termly following the “Primary French Project” format.
Lessons follow a logical format with an introduction, direct teaching, main activity and plenary. It is made clear to the children at the start of the lesson exactly what it is they will learn as the objectives are shared with them.
Most lessons are mainly oral although some written tasks are completed. Emphasis is on repetition with a strong focus on authentic pronunciation.
The teaching provides opportunities for:
group work;
paired work, including mixed ability and similar ability pairs;
whole class teaching;
individual work. The pupils engage in:
the development of oral skills
written recording;
problem solving;
One afternoon each half term is spent team teaching, coaching staff and completing learning talks in order for myself, the subject leader, to monitor all round learning of the subject.
Intercultural Understanding is a big part of our learning. Festivals and traditions celebrated in France are marked and learned about.
Impact:
The impact of our French Curriculum is that children develop language skills that they will be able to use in the wider community.
French is taught in a way that enthuses children into considering furthering their linguistic studies into high school and beyond.
By the time children leave us at the end of KS2, they will be fully equipped to continue to develop their linguistic knowledge in this area, with a sound understanding of oral, listening, written and reading skills.
Teachers assess the children’s progress at the end of each unit of work. Long term assessments are carried out towards the end of the school year when pupils’ attainment is measured against the record of key objectives for the subject.