MFL

Intent

A high quality languages education should stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language and creativity in experimenting with it. At Bellfield, we are committed to ensuring we foster an interest in language learning by introducing children to other languages in a way that is enjoyable and accessible to all pupils. Learning another language supports oracy and literacy and develops speaking and listening skills. It helps children develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences and lays the foundations for future language study by pupils.

Implementation

At Bellfield, we foster a problem-solving approach, giving children opportunities to work out language use for themselves in a supportive context where risk-taking and creativity are encouraged, and there is an emphasis on having fun with the new language. ICT is used where appropriate to enhance teaching and learning. In Key Stage 2, each class has a timetabled lesson of French each week.

Lessons across Key Stage 2 support the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in French. The curriculum is delivered using a programme called Salứt. Children are taught to listen attentively to spoken language and respond, joining in with songs, rhymes and games. The idea of the French units is to teach one full unit per half term.

Impact

Throughout each session, the teacher will be carrying out formative assessments of the children vocabulary, grammar and application. This will inform the following sessions. At the end of a unit, the disciplinary and substantive knowledge the children have acquired will be assessed and built upon in following units.

As a result of high quality MFL lessons, children will develop awareness of where different languages, as well as French, are spoken in the world. They will also develop cultural awareness and appreciation of the wider world.