Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
INTENT
At Gislingham, we believe that the learning of a language in an enjoyable and stimulating way will provide a valuable cultural experience for all our pupils. We encourage children’s confidence and strive to engage their curiosity about language. Our MFL taught is French, and it is our intention to ensure that by the end of our children’s primary education, they have acquired an understanding of both spoken and written French, confidence to speak in French with others and know how important other languages can be in their future. We believe that MFL should be fully inclusive to every child. Our aims are to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for MFL, which should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world.
IMPLEMENTATION
Our curriculum is designed to progressively develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as developing children’s awareness of cultural differences.
At Gislingham, pupils are introduced to cultural differences and languages in the Early Years. This is continued throughout KS1. When moving into KS2, children will have regular French lessons where they are encouraged and supported to develop their speaking and listening skills through a multi-sensory approach including singing activities, games and conversational work. As their confidence and skill grows, children record their work through pictures, captions and sentences.
We use ‘Rigolo’ to support our teaching of French; this involves many interactive games as well as accurate pronunciation. During these lessons, where possible, instructions will be given in French to expose children to the language. A working wall will be evident in each KS2 classroom to remind children of key vocabulary and visual prompts will be used to support all children.
Teachers follow the children’s interests where possible and plan real life experiences to ensure their learning is engaging, broad and balanced. A whole school French Day is organised once a year which provides additional opportunities for pupils to deepen their understanding.
IMPACT
Our MFL curriculum will ensure all pupils develop key language learning skills as well as a love of language and learning about other cultures. Teachers ensure lessons are fun and interactive to enable key development of skills to take place.
The MFL subject leader measures the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
Observing children speaking and listening in another language
Lesson observations
Work scrutinies
Staff discussions
Pupil interviews
Learning walks