Modern Foreign Languages
Intent, Implementation and Impact of our modern foreign language (MFL) curriculum
Intent
The intention of the French curriculum at Sampford Peverell is that the children are taught to develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. During this development, the children will be able to enhance their communication skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, which then inlays the foundations for further language learning in the future. In lessons, the children will grasp a new and broader prospective on the world, encouraging them to understand our own British values and those of other countries too.
Implementation
‘’Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things’’ Flora Lewis
Although formal learning of languages begins in Years 5 and 6, children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Years 1 to 4 are exposed to different languages in their Understanding the World and Geography learning respectively. This kickstarts their understanding of different ways of communicating and the cultures where languages are very different from our own. A good example of how we utilise this understanding is by asking for responses in different languages to the register, singing nursery rhymes such as Frère Jacques and watching videos of the different places in the world that we are learning about.
Pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 benefit from the opportunity of learning French. The children are taught all four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing and each of these skills are practiced and reinforced each lesson. These lessons are taught weekly by our teaching assistant Miss Hambleton who is fluent in speaking French; these lessons are supported by ‘assessment for learning’ by taking formative assessments throughout lessons and adjusting the offer as the lessons progress. This then enables Miss Hambleton to plan for future lessons.
Impact
‘’One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way’’ Frank Smith
French lessons at Sampford Peverell will ensure all pupils develop key language learning skills so that they can be prepared for a world where communication through different languages is increasingly important and reflective of our society. Our children develop a love of languages and learning about other cultures, which gives them the foundations they need for MFL learning they undertake in their secondary education.
How to help at home:
- Cook a French meal together – look for French recipes or a traditional French meal
- Listen to French music – listening to songs written in French.
- Take your child to a museum or gallery – at many locations there are pieces of art made by French artists
- Read French books – many libraries will have a foreign language section and reading material can be obtained on the internet.
- Play puzzles in French – try a crossword or wordsearch in French