Curriculum - MFL
French Intent
French is the modern foreign language (MFL) taught to all children in KS2 at St. Stephen’s C.E. Primary School. We believe that the earlier a child is exposed to a new language, the faster the language in question is acquired. We strongly believe that introducing a foreign language to children during primary school, when they tend to be less self-conscious about speaking aloud, is a hugely positive idea and the impact on other areas of learning is invaluable. We believe the curiosity bred in children, through exposure to a new language, feeds through to their learning about new places, peoples, cultures and traditions. In line with the national curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages, we aim to ensure that all children:
- Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources.
- Are able to speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and that they are continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation.
- Can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences.
At St. Stephen’s C. E. Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that competence in another language enables children to interpret and exchange meaning within and across cultures. It aims to foster children’s curiosity and help deepen their understanding of the world. From Year 3 upwards, we will provide an appropriate balance of spoken and written language and help to lay the foundations for further foreign language learning as our pupils’ progress to Secondary Schools. Through our French scheme, we intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of languages and to expand their horizons to other countries, cultures and people. We aim to help children grow into curious, confident and reflective language learners and to provide them with a foundation that will equip them for further language studies.
French Implementation
French is taught to all children across KS2 every week. We follow the Planit French scheme to develop the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing within the subject. We deliver a planned sequence of lessons, ensuring progressive coverage of the skills required by the national curriculum. The themes of Time, Travelling, Let’s Visit a French Town and This Is France, provide an introduction to the culture of French-speaking countries and communities. Children are able to express their ideas and thoughts in French and have opportunities to interact and communicate with others both in speech and in writing. In addition, children have regular opportunities to listen to native speakers. In Lower KS2, children acquire basic skills and understanding of French with a strong emphasis placed on developing their Speaking and Listening skills. These will be embedded and further developed in the Upper KS2 units, alongside Reading and Writing in French, gradually progressing onto more complex language concepts and greater learner autonomy. Lessons are sequenced to build on prior learning and opportunities for revision of language and grammar are built in. Taught vocabulary is included in display materials and additional resources to consolidate children’s learning and development in French. We use a wide range of resources to teach and consolidate all learning in French in KS2 including a language rich learning environment in all KS2 learning spaces. BBC Bitesize “Dash and Blink” French application reinforces the units covered through online, speaking and listening and reading activities. Children complete a self assessment at the end of every lesson, using a traffic light system, which contributes to planning future learning. Children use French / English dictionaries to support their learning and also enjoy story books in French, which are available in each lesson, as required. All children are included in KS2 MFL lessons and are supported by, for example, TA support, adapted materials and / or given alternative strategies for communicating their learning and understanding in French.
French Impact
Pupils enjoy French lessons and show great enthusiasm in learning the language and about French culture. They recognise and remember key French vocabulary and are beginning to communicate in French. We observe that learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures, their own languages, and the culture and languages of others. Children enjoy demonstrating their language skills by performing to different audiences, for example, singing a song in French.
