Modern Foreign Languages
Intent
At Seascale School we provide Foreign Language Education which helps our children to develop confidence and competence in their own language learning abilities. We hope that our children are passionate, curious and confident about studying French, which is our chosen language.
We help our children demonstrate progress in the five key language skills needed for learning French:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
- Grammar
Through our carefully planned curriculum, which is taken from Language Angels, we ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to develop solid foundations in these key language-learning skills. These skills will develop children’s ability to understand what they hear and read and enable them to express themselves in speech and writing. We will extend their knowledge of how language works and explore the similarities and differences between English and French. Children begin their language education by studying phonetics and pronunciation at different levels, before moving onto a mixture of language-based and culture-based units. This will also help strengthen their sense of identity through learning about culture in other countries and comparing it with their own.
Implementation
French is taught in KS2 classes but due to fluctuating class structure, our mixed Year 3 & 4 class are currently taught French together. Our Curriculum is planned to allow children time to embed key skills and master the basics of language learning. Units are chosen carefully to ensure progression throughout Key Stage 2 so that previous learning can be built upon. Teachers plan their lessons using the Language Angels scheme of work and can supplement this with their own ideas, resources and experience.
Lessons and resources are engaging for children through a range of materials.
French lessons include:
- PowerPoints and interactive whiteboard materials
- Interactive games (which can also be accessed from home to consolidate learning)
- Songs
- Differentiated tasks
- Correct language pronunciation
Each French unit will focus on a combination of the 5 key language-learning skills.
SEND children have access to the curriculum through differentiation of task or support.
Teachers are encouraged to use dual-language displays and labels where possible for key words and phrases relevant to topics or routines.
Monitoring and Evaluation
French exercise books are kept each year and passed on which becomes a portfolio of each child’s learning and language progression. Audio and video evidence of speaking and presenting in French is uploaded to class pages on the website which are checked regularly by the MFL co-ordinator.
At the end of every unit, skills-based assessments are used to monitor the learning and progression of each pupil.
The Subject Leader monitors the effectiveness of language teaching provided through the school and the learning and progression made by pupils.
Impact
Our approach to language teaching ensures our children are ready to continue their education into Key Stage 3, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to further their learning journey.
The teaching of French exposes our children to a wider range of cultures, which gives them the opportunities needed to prepare them for later life in a multi-cultural society.