MFL
What is the intent of our MFL curriculum?
Learning a foreign language is part of the primary National Curriculum and is a statutory requirement for all children in key stage 2 (KS2). Wentworth Primary School has adopted a whole school approach to the teaching of French to all pupils from Years 2-6.
Our aim is to develop the confidence and competence of each child in the foreign language they are learning. Our goal is for them to be passionate, curious and confident about their own foreign language learning abilities when they finish the primary school phase of their education.
We will help them develop and demonstrate substantial progress in the 5 key language skills necessary for learning French:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Grammar
We aim to ensure that pupils of all abilities develop solid foundations in these key language learning skills - properly preparing them for the next stage of their language learning journey. 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 French and English. We will also help strengthen their sense of identity through learning about culture in other countries and comparing it with their own.
How do we implement our MFL curriculum?
Teachers plan their lessons using the Language Angels scheme of work. 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.
French lessons include:
- PowerPoints and interactive whiteboard materials
- Interactive games
- Songs & raps
- Differentiated desk-based consolidation activities
- Worksheets (at three different levels of challenge) are provided throughout each teaching unit and can be used in class or can be sent home to be completed as a homework exercise
Each lesson will focus on a combination of the 5 key language learning skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar).
Each year group (2 – 6) will have a consolidation block in Autumn 1 to recap on all the ‘Core Vocabulary’. This consists of colours, classroom instructions, days of the week, months of the year and numbers.
What is the impact of our MFL curriculum?
Two forms of assessment are available at the end of every Language Angels unit:
- Pupil self-assessment sheets are available at the end of each unit from language angels. This is an effective way for all pupils in the class to record which units they have completed and the progress they are making.
- Assessment sheets to be completed by teachers at the end of each unit of work. Teachers will use the ‘End of Unit question sheets’ provided by Language Angels. This form of assessment enables us to determine the learning and progression of all pupils and their progress within each unit. Assessments will determine whether each child is working below age related expectations, working at age related expectations or working above age related expectations.