MFL Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Horsmonden, we want every child to be happy and enthusiastic learners of foreign languages, and to be eager to achieve their very best in order to fulfil their enormous potential. We firmly believe that the recipe for success is high quality first  teaching in foreign languages, which is central to the life of our happy, caring academy.

Our principal aim is that children leave Horsmonden with a wide range of happy and rich memories in language formed through interesting and exciting experiences. 

Children will meet the National Curriculum expectations in MFL, which will be taught by highly-qualified staff who will support children to develop the mastery of concepts and inspire enthusiasm and interest in the subject.

All Key Stage Two children will study a foreign language (French) for an hour a week. Opportunities will exist for children of all ages to experience learning beyond the classroom. For example, creative workshop days at Trust secondary academies or visitors to school who may read stories in the language or share their experiences of living abroad.

Children will develop a deep understanding of the subjects they are studying. They will increasingly use their prior knowledge to solve problems and develop the sophistication of using a foreign language.

Children will understand how British Values relate to learning about foreign languages and culture. Whilst learning a modern foreign language, children will develop the skills to appropriately understand, speak, read, write and transcribe phrases, as well as use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures.

Our PYP approach is underscored by the National Curriculum. It allows for appropriate sequencing and aims to secure long-term memory as well as the enjoyment of learning a MFL. The key areas of vocabulary, phonics and grammar are developed throughout KS2 in order to prepare children for secondary education. We intend to introduce MFL into KS1, where they will use games and songs. This will enthuse the children and prepare the children for KS2.

Implementation

The subject leader for MFL will meet the senior leadership team and representatives from the Trust on a regular basis to evaluate provision in order to ensure that teaching and learning in MFL is highly effective. Where necessary, staff will receive coaching and training in the Horsmonden language. Subject specialists from Trust secondary academies will continue to support this process and aid transition to Key Stage 3.

Where possible, carefully designed, interleaved learning in MFL will be used to ensure consistency and develop the knowledge and understanding of all learners. Language Angels is used to aid planning and assessment. Children understand how foreign languages are used in the wider world including careers.

Clearly defined end goals are set in order to guide children to achieve their potential. This ensures work is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum, while still fulfilling the requirements of a PYP approach.

High quality teaching responds to the needs of children. Spiral learning is a key focus of all formative and summative assessment.

Impact

Visual prompts and thought-provoking questions will be used throughout their learning. Evidence of learning will be seen Inquiry books and on display around the school.

The learning intention will be contextualised and in a child friendly language. The presentation of children’s work will be neat with titles and dates underlined with a ruler. Children are happy, feel cared for, and have excellent relationships with others. They know how to deal with challenges and have a range of strategies to overcome them.  The learning is based on the French skills the children are using.

Through learning a foreign language, children deepen their appreciation of other cultures and enhance their international mindedness. Cultural capital opportunities have enriched the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding.

Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in MFL.  This is reflected in outstanding progress that reveals a clear learning journey. There is a proven track record of outstanding outcomes as shown in pupils’ ability in Horsmonden in the areas of oracy, literacy, intercultural understanding and their knowledge about the language. Children talk enthusiastically about their learning and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education. 

Discussions with pupils and book reviews reveal their enjoyment of the subject. These indicators reflect the impact of deep learning. Clear outcomes focus and guide MFL development plans and drive improvement. Fundamental British Values are evident in the school and understood by all members of the community.

Through wider reading and experiences in Horsmonden, children will gain an appreciation and understanding of the country and some of its historical links to other parts of the world and historical events. It also allows for the British Values of tolerance and respect to be highlighted, understood and practised by children.

Resources

Resources are kept in each classroom, so children and teachers can access daily. Teachers inform the MFL leader if there are any specific resources that are needed and that cannot be found in the classroom.

Resources need to allow children to access writing if they are struggling. Eg. use of laptops where children can speak into them to create their work and the use of word banks, skills mats etc. 

The MFL lead is to replenish resources as and when they are needed.

The MFL lead is to keep up to date about new curriculum developments and relay them to staff when needed.