MFL

Our Modern Foreign Languages Subject Leader is Madame Riley
jriley@ipmat.co.uk

Intent

The intent of the French curriculum at Towngate Primary Academy is that children are taught to develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. We encourage children’s confidence, we strive to stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language. In planning with actively plan links to develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries, through our protected characteristics, British values and curriculum enrichment opportunities. We strive to embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing necessary to enable children to use and apply their French learning in a variety of contexts and lay the foundations for future language learning.

Our MFL curriculum is designed to progressively develop children skills in languages, through regular taught lessons. Children progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics. We follow the National Curriculum objectives and supplement resources from the ‘La Jolie Ronde’ Scheme of work to ensure coverage and progression across school. All our children in KS2 will have regular language lessons.

Implementation

A typical French lesson includes development of pronunciation through learning French phonic sounds. New vocabulary introduced along with appropriate grammar rules which is then applied to conversation or writing skills.  Children are encouraged and supported to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversational work, singing activities and games. As confidence and skill grows, children record their work through pictures, captions and sentences.

  • displays are used to remind children of key vocabulary
  • practical activities, songs and games are used to help improve memory and recall.
  • In the classroom whether possible instructions are given in French to expose children to the language as much as possible and I day to day contexts.
  • Visual prompts are used to support children in translating new vocabulary.
  • Word mats/ Knowledge organisers are available for children to have out on desks to support their learning and recap previous learning.

We strive to ensure that our pupil’s attainment is in line or exceeds their potential when we consider the varied starting points of all our children. The learning challenges used and progression grids used to plan and teach MFL, ensure that children are accessing work at age related expectations, with regular opportunities to be challenged through higher-level objectives.

Impact

We measure the impact of our MFL curriculum in a variety of ways:  Pupil Voice evidences that pupils are acquiring a developed understanding of the vocabulary and grammar of our modern foreign language, French. They are developing skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing within a foreign language and show improved confidence in discussing their own work and identifying their own strengths and areas for development.

Book and work sampling shows that pupils have had opportunities for practice and refinement of skills within the MFL curriculum from Year 3 to Year 6 which will support them on their journey through high school. Books also demonstrate that pupils, over time, develop a range of skills and language enabling them to communicate in French with another person.

As a result, pupil attainment in French is developing, allowing for children to make positive gains in their learning beyond primary school.