Modern Foreign Languages

At Fairfield Park Lower School, we value Modern Foreign Languages. We are LINGUISTS!

We believe in the value of diversity and as this is one of our curriculum drivers, we explore language as part of our understanding of the wider world in Early Years and by weaving it into our curriculum topics or project weeks in KS1. 

When children enter KS2, their French learning exposes them to French culture (the Arts, stories and song), first developing oral confidence and engaging with others to reading and writing short sentences and passages. 

We celebrate dual languages in our school community and encourage families to visit classes and join us in community events. Dual language pupils are monitored to ensure they make at least age related expectations and any barriers are reduced. We value what they bring to our global world enriching our school community.

For our Progression of Skills in MFL, please click the following link:

Modern Foreign Languages Progression of Knowledge and Skills Yr R-Yr 4

 Intent

At Fairfield Park Lower school, we understand that language learning not only widens children’s knowledge of the world but also allows them to access this information in a way in which they can fully immerse themselves in cultural and linguistic teachings.
We intend for children to develop a curiosity and passion for global communication and have a love for learning languages, which they will carry with them throughout their school life and beyond.
We are dedicated to providing children with a foundation of skills, which they can build upon throughout their life as they advance and refine their mastery of French.
Our classrooms are a celebration of global diversity and allow children to explore cultural differences in a way, which encourages them to be accepting of all. Language lessons are engaging and active where children are exposed to videos, songs, written texts, games and role-plays.
We encourage children to make connections to their own life experiences such as places they have travelled or their own heritage. Lessons are accessible and fun and all children should feel successful in their ability to communicate in another language.

Implementation

In Key Stage 1, the children will be exposed to a wide variety of languages. We endeavour to ensure that children are given frequent opportunities to explore the culture (and within that, the language) of countries and places that link to their learning topics and their own personal interests or experiences. As the children move into Key Stage 2, children have discreet weekly French lessons delivered by their class teacher as well as still exploring other languages informally when they link to learning topics. We also incorporate the exploration of other nationalities and cultural differences through ensuring that diversity, one of our curriculum drivers, is a golden thread in all that we teach.
French is taught using a number of methods, which are designed to accommodate all learning styles. Children listen to authentic sound recordings of the French language, which allows them to develop their accent when speaking orally. There are frequent opportunities for children to practise their spoken French, which include echoing phrases back to the teacher and engaging in role play activities with others to reflect real life situations. Children are exposed to written French and are taught the foundations of grammar, syntax and pronunciation rules. This allows them to read and construct their own sentences, both orally and in written form. In order to embed their learning, lessons include fun games and physical resources such as playing ‘heads down thumbs up’ in French or using a puppet for engagement with the children.
Our feeder schools also teach French as these children continue their journey into upper KS2.
We hold an international award, which is threaded through the curriculum for all ages, and we hold a regular whole school international project week.

 

Impact

In Key Stage 1, the teacher informally assesses children’s attitudes and understanding of global language and culture. The diversity champion will also monitor and evaluate the teaching, available literature and representation of different cultures throughout the school.
In Key Stage 2, class teachers will assess the children’s attainment in French through formative assessment and track on a termly basis. The MFL subject leader will also review this.
Class teachers liaise with schools re Upper KS2 French journey.
Our children have a wide experience of languages and cultures and they are encouraged to play with words to have a greater understanding of citizenship in a global world.
International Project week allows children to be immersed in different cultures and languages across the globe.

Learning Snapshot