Goring CE Primary: Curriculum Intent: MFL
The 2014 National Curriculum states that learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, eventually equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.
At Goring C of E Primary, we will:
- develop children’s experience of language acquisition and encourage curiosity about languages, with opportunities for learners to explore new concepts, clarify ideas and ask questions
- develop children’s understanding of what they hear and read in French, and their ability to express themselves and communicate effectively in speech and writing
- extend children’s knowledge of how languages work, and explore grammatical, lexical and cultural similarities and differences between French and English
- strengthen children’s sense of identity and empathy through learning about culture in Francophone countries and comparing it with their own culture.
Curriculum Implementation
Teaching of MFL at Goring is in line with the recommendations of the National Curriculum, with adaptations in place that allow for the individual and differentiated needs of the children. It takes full account of the different experiences, strengths and interests of the children whilst also complying with the requirements and guidance on inclusion.
French is taught in KS2 in a whole-class setting, by the class teacher. Teachers use plans from “Primary French Languages”. This programme of study has been devised by the “Institut Français du Royaume Uni” to share strong links between French and English language, culture, grammar and spelling. The lessons may also incorporate additional resources of songs, stories and rhymes as well as materials providing cultural links.
Each class has a timetabled lesson of at least thirty minutes per week. French can also be revisited in short sessions throughout the week to consolidate knowledge and ensure new language is retained. Knowledge organisers are shared at the beginning of each unit, and kept in children’s books throughout KS2, to help pupils build on prior learning and develop their competence and confidence over time.
All French lessons are designed to motivate children through a mainly practical focus. They have clear, achievable objectives and incorporate different learning styles. SEND children have access to the curriculum through variation of task, grouping or support from adults or peers.
French lessons use a variety of sources to model the language, and use games and songs to maximise enjoyment, and make as many connections to real life situations as possible.
Lessons mainly focus on speaking and listening. However, when appropriate, children record written work informally in books, which are passed through the years and become a portfolio of their learning.