French

Intent

With Modern Foreign Language (MFL) lessons at Widney, we believe in developing a love of learning and appreciation of different languages. In a multi-cultural and linguistically diverse school such as Widney Junior School, many of our children have already well developed skills for learning languages, with many different languages are spoken by our children.

MFL is an inclusive subject that supports speaking and listening skills, helping children to develop their oracy skills in a nurturing and safe environment. It is our intent to provide all of our children with a high-quality education in French (our chosen MFL), which develops their love of learning about other languages and cultures. All pupils will be supported to achieve their full potential by encouraging high expectations and excellent standards in their foreign language learning through facilitating learning experiences. Our ultimate aim being that pupils will feel willing and able to continue studying languages beyond key stage 2 as we promote curious learners who enjoy acquiring new languages.

Implementation

Our MFL content is continuously updated and reviewed annually, with a carefully designed programme of study to spark interest and support progress throughout the primary phase. This ensures that the foreign language knowledge of our pupils’ progresses within each academic year and is extended year upon year throughout their time at Widney.

The four key language learning skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing are taught and all necessary grammar is delivered in an age-appropriate way across KS2. Our curriculum enables pupils to use and apply their learning from English/their own language in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning.

We implement the French Curriculum through using a variety of the following approaches:

• Games – in order to develop vocabulary through repetition, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
• Role-play – these can relate to the situations the children may find themselves in the future
• Action songs and rhymes – to develop phonetic skills, memory skills and to further vocabulary
• Reading and writing – use of high quality resources including authentic materials wherever possible (poetry, books etc) as a stimulus for their own creativity

Learning an additional language also offers pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity. At all opportunities, we discuss how things differ in French speaking countries, and compare it to our own experiences. In this way, our children develop a better awareness of others and embrace cultural differences.

Impact

The aim is that our children possess a deep understanding of the French culture and language – creating lifelong language speakers.

Over time, our children will have developed a solid foundation in listening, reading, writing and speaking in French. Our children leave understanding the possibilities on offer to them through acquiring additional languages and embracing new cultures. They are well equipped to transfer to KS3 effectively and successfully, and will be well prepared to continue and develop their language skills.

At Widney, we employ a specialist languages teacher to teach the French curriculum to all the children.

Scheme of Work

Policy

MFL Policy