Modern Foreign Languages
All pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Academy have the right to a rich and deep learning experience that includes the learning of the basics of an additional language. The study of Languages prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly carried out in languages other than English. Language learning provides an opening to other cultures. Pupils use language to communicate information responsibly and creatively; learning how to use languages to enable access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures across our school and wider demographic. In addition, understanding a modern foreign language increases a child’s understanding of their own language, and the building blocks which form this. The process of learning a foreign language reinforces fluency and understanding of grammar, syntax, sentence structure and verbal precision. Increased capability in the use of languages can also promote initiative and independent learning and encourages diversity within society.
We teach a curriculum that enables our pupils to become effective users of language, and show an understanding and respect of different cultures in our local, national and global communities.
Through the teaching of French at St Mary’s Catholic Academy, we aim to:
- Ensure every child has the opportunity, throughout Key Stage 2, to study French as a foreign language; developing their interest in the culture of other nations, communities and beliefs.
- Ensure pupils have access to high-quality teaching and learning opportunities.
- Ensure pupils have exposure to simple commands including day-to-day French language, including days, months, numbers and classroom instructions.
- Ensure pupils develop an increased wider cultural understanding through our enriched and varied curriculum to which languages contribute.
- Provide language informed by the National Curriculum and the skills expressed in this: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Cultural Understanding.
Teachers plan for the teaching and learning of French on a termly and weekly basis supported by comprehensive scheme of work – Primary French – which covers all aspects of the MFL curriculum: speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural understanding, and progresses these skills and knowledge throughout Key Stage 2. Activities can consist of actions, rhymes, stories, song, drama, grammar focus, video clips, air writing, sentence structure, dictionary work, book making and many more creative ways to extend, embed and combine language skills.
Teachers and pupils use French in daily routines, for example, through answering the register and displaying the French date within the classroom.
Alongside this, children have access to an after school French club that utilises a native French speaker to develop language skills further. Pupils is upper Key Stage 2 also have the opportunity of an overseas educational visit to France, where they have the opportunity to put their acquired language knowledge and skills into action.
Our MFL curriculum is fun and enjoyed by learners, well-resourced and planned to demonstrate progression through Key Stage 2. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through:
- Pupil discussions about their learning;
- Monitoring and reflection against subject-specific skills defined in each year of study;
- Children applying their knowledge of language to other areas of the curriculum;
- Children applying their cultural understanding and tolerance across society and cultures.