Longfields Primary and Nursery School

Key Information Curriculum Languages

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Our Mfl curriculum aims to provide all pupils with a high quality introduction to learning French which engages and inspires children to develop a life-long love of language-learning, increases their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.

Although Mfl does not become a compulsory part of the curriculum until Key Stage Two, we believe that even the youngest children can benefit from an early introduction to learning a foreign language. This is accomplished in a very low-key, non-pressured way such as taking the register in French, having French words displayed around the classroom and singing songs in French.

At Key Stage 2 children will follow the “Rigolo” scheme of work, delivered mainly by the class teacher, as well as exploring and beginning to understand French culture – for example, in Year 6 they will have an opportunity to learn about the Tour de France during the summer term. Songs in French are included in our regular weekly singing sessions.

AIMS and PURPOSES

As part of a broad and balanced curriculum we aim to give all our pupils, including the very youngest, the opportunity to undertake a balanced and age-appropriate programme of French-themed activities. Through these activities the children will:

Develop an enthusiastic and positive attitude to other languages and language learning;

Develop language skills and language learning skills;

Raise awareness of aspects of their own language and make comparisons with the foreign language, thereby enriching their understanding of both;

Become aware that language has a structure, and that this structure differs from one language to another;

Become increasingly familiar with the sounds and written form of a modern foreign language;

Gain enjoyment, pride and a sense of achievement.

HOW WE IMPLEMENT

At Longfields Primary School we integrate language learning for Early Years and Key Stage One into everyday school life through songs and regular speaking activities – eg: taking the register in French.

At Key Stage Two the programme of activities becomes more structured and children undertake a comprehensive variety of tasks to develop their language skills in:

Listening

Speaking

Reading

Writing

Intercultural understanding

ASSESSMENT

The main method of gathering evidence and assessing achievement in Mfl is through continuous teacher observation. These observations provide a basis for recording and reporting children’s achievements. This is an on-going process brought about by:

Observation of children working

Discussion with children before, during and after working

Looking at/marking children’s work

Older pupils are encouraged to make judgements about how they can improve their own work.

Work-samples of written activities are retained in a folder.

Longfields Primary School And Nursery