Modern Foreign Languages at Water Mill
Water Mill Primary School
Modern Foreign Languages
Intent
As Water Mill Primary is such a diverse and culturally rich school, we appreciate that the study of Languages prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world; a world in which work and other activities are increasingly carried out in languages other than English. Language learning provides an opening to other cultures and language skills will enable access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures (both within our school and across a wider demographic).
We offer a curriculum that enables our pupils to become effective users of language, and celebrates Water Mill children’s understanding and respect of different cultures in our local, national and global communities.
Through the teaching of French at Water Mill Primary 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, provided by either a native French speaking teacher or language specialist.
- Ensure that lessons are highly engaging, interactive and enjoyable in order to build confidence and sustain enjoyment in the learning of a new language.
Key Concepts
- Patterns & sounds in language
- Listen and respond
- Conversations
- Vocabulary
- Pronunciation & intonation
- Write and adapt
- Grammar
Implementation
We employ a native French teacher to deliver our MFL curriculum. We observe her teaching and planning to ensure she is using creative ways to extend, embed and combine language skills. Activities are usually interactive: opportunities to participate in French songs, speaking and listening role play activities and watching short videos/ use of other multi media tools.
Within lessons, outcomes are achieved through children completing tasks and activities in the four main skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, and learning about the History and Culture of France and French speaking countries.
Our interactive and lively lessons promote the enjoyment of, and enthusiasm for, language-learning. Lessons are planned and structured to ensure that key Languages skills are covered throughout the year. Units are structured strategically to enable children to build on language skills learnt previously and to make links, for example in spelling patterns and phonemes.
Alongside this, children have access to an after school Spanish club that utilises a native Spanish speaker to develop language skills further.
Impact
Our MFL curriculum is fun and enjoyed by learners, well-resourced and planned to demonstrate progression through Key Stage 2. We measure the impact of our curriculum through pupil response and subject leader observations:
- Children are excited about and enjoying their French lessons. (pupil response)
- Lessons build effectively on prior learning. (observations).
- Children becoming more confident French speakers verbally (observations).
- Subject leader has a good understanding of practice across the school.
- Children applying their cultural understanding and tolerance across society and cultures.