Chandlers Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 9RS
Modern Foreign Languages
Intent
Bonjour et bienvenue à l’école Skyswood!
We believe that Modern Foreign Languages are an essential part of a broad, balanced curriculum. French is taught at Skyswood Primary & Nursery School.
Our vision is to ensure that language learning is fun and to foster a desire to continue enjoying languages into Key Stage 3 and beyond. Skyswood children will be supported to achieve their full potential, inclusive of all abilities and backgrounds.
Our aim for Modern Foreign Languages is:
- To instil a passion for languages
- To encourage children’s curiosity and understanding of the world
- To develop an understanding of what it means to be a linguist
- To provide a strong foundation including a depth of French vocabulary, along with the grammatical skills to use this language in, so that children are able to converse at a basic level across a range of different topics
J’aime le Francais!
(Amelie - Skyswood pupil)
Implementation
In the early years, the foundations of language learning are laid within the areas of ‘communication and language’ and ‘people, culture and communities’.
Children in Year 2 participate in French ‘taster’ sessions, where they are introduced to world languages before focusing on French. Through a range of speaking and listening activities, the children learn basic French, including greetings, numbers and colours. We also take a first look at French geography and culture.
Throughout Key Stage Two, the children have a 40 minute weekly lesson with our dedicated Modern Foreign Languages teacher, Madame Cheshire. These lessons are supplemented with a few shorter, informal activities to consolidate their learning throughout the week.
Our Modern Foreign Languages scheme of work has been compiled, implemented and continues to be developed by Madame Cheshire. It meets the requirements of the National Curriculum Programme of Study. It is logically sequenced to ensure progression across the four key language learning skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing - and challenges every child at their own level. Topics are chosen to provide our children with the ability to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts.
The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on French phonics, vocabulary and grammar; this in turn reinforces the children’s understanding of the English language. The children begin learning through speaking and listening, then move on to reading and writing. They develop linguistic skills through learning about context and cognates to predict translation. They learn how to use bi-lingual dictionaries, develop pronunciation and memorise vocabulary for recall. As a linguist they learn to be resilient and foster their growth mindset setting them on the right path to be able to communicate with more people across the world, in languages that are not their own.
A variety of resources and types of media are used to bring the French language to life. These provide many opportunities for children to read at an age-appropriate level, in both French and English.
Previous knowledge and skills are continuously revisited and built upon as they progress through Skyswood School. For each new unit, we reflect on what we already know that may support our learning and then use this as an opportunity to revise.
Cultural understanding is a key area within the teaching of our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum; we are educating our children for a successful future as global citizens. Learning about festivals and traditions from other countries helps our children to appreciate other people and places, developing tolerance and respect. Lessons are supported through a range of enrichment activities.
I have grown in confidence and really enjoy my French lessons
(Declan - Skyswood pupil)
Impact
At the end of their Skyswood learning journey, our children leave with a positive attitude towards language learning, feeling confident and successful as linguists. They will have gained a sense of achievement from learning to say something in a foreign language, thus boosting their self-esteem, confidence and communication skills. Through pupil and parent feedback, we are assured that our children enjoy the range of topics and activities delivered.
The children will have a solid foundation in French phonics, vocabulary and grammar, enabling them to express themselves in a foreign language.
We have ensured that our scheme of work provides the knowledge and skills needed to enable a smooth transition into secondary school.
Formative assessment is used to inform planning and starting points for future lessons.
We educate our pupils to realise that, as the world becomes more global, businesses and organisations will need more people who can communicate in other languages. They appreciate that we are equipping them to access study and work internationally.
Merci et à bientôt!
I’ve really enjoyed writing to my French pen-pal
(Emily - Skyswood pupil)
Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs
At Skyswood, every child has equal access to the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum and we have the same ambitious expectations for all. Through carefully adapted and scaffolded lessons, all children are able to access the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum and achieve success.
National Curriculum: MFL Programme of Study
