Intent

At LAPW, we believe that learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) is an integral part of a holistic and internationally-minded education.

We aim to foster an appreciation for diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Through engaging with another language, children will develop empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our world, becoming active and responsible global citizens. We intend to equip children with the foundational skills to communicate effectively in another language, both orally and in writing, at an age-appropriate level. This process will encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and the development of effective communication and inquiry skills. We aim to develop children’s awareness of language structures, patterns, and vocabulary, fostering a deeper understanding of their own language and enhancing their overall literacy skills. The process of learning an MFL will also promote cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and memory skills, which are transferable across the curriculum. Our ultimate intent is to instill a positive attitude towards language learning and to lay the foundations for future language acquisition. By providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences, we aim to inspire a lifelong curiosity about languages and cultures, empowering children to become confident and engaged language learners in their future academic and personal journeys.

Through purposeful planning, authentic contexts, and a focus on conceptual understanding, we strive to ensure that our MFL provision empowers children to become internationally-minded individuals who are well-prepared to engage with a multilingual and multicultural world.

Implementation

As an academy we have chosen French to be taught as our target language.

We believe that learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) is an integral part of a holistic and internationally-minded education, aligning directly with the principles and practices of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). We are committed to providing all children with meaningful and engaging opportunities to develop communicative competence, intercultural understanding, and a lifelong love of language learning.

We empower children to take ownership of their learning by providing choices in activities, encouraging self-assessment, and fostering curiosity about different cultures and languages. We strive to connect MFL learning with other subject areas through the PYP Units of Inquiry, making learning more relevant, engaging, and meaningful. Language learning will be integrated naturally where authentic connections exist. Our teaching, through a specialist MFL teacher, focuses on developing deep understanding of key language concepts such as communication, culture, and perspective, rather than rote memorisation. We utilise an inquiry-based approach, encouraging children to ask questions, explore language patterns, make connections, and construct their own understanding. MFL learning provides a crucial lens through which children develop an appreciation for diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, fostering empathy and global citizenship.

In EYFS and KS1 exposure to the French language will be through playful activities, songs, rhymes, stories, and gestures. The focus will be on developing phonological awareness, basic vocabulary, and an appreciation for linguistic diversity. This will be integrated naturally into their play and exploration.

Across the rest of the academy years (Years 3-6) a progressive and developmental approach will be adopted, building upon prior knowledge and skills. Learning will focus on developing the four key skills of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, in age-appropriate contexts.

MFL will be integrated into the Units of Inquiry where natural links exist, providing authentic contexts for language use and exploration of cultural aspects related to the unit's central idea. Where integration is not the primary focus, dedicated MFL sessions will be planned to systematically introduce vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge. We will utilise a variety of engaging and interactive teaching methodologies, including games, songs, role-play, technology, and collaborative tasks. Learning will be adapted to meet the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring that all children are challenged and supported to make progress.

Assessment will be ongoing and varied, focusing on understanding, application, and communication. It will include formative assessment strategies to inform teaching and summative tasks to evaluate progress against learning outcomes. We are committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance MFL teaching skills and pedagogical approaches within the PYP framework. We will seek opportunities to connect with the wider community to provide authentic language experiences and celebrate cultural diversity.

Our MFL program aims to enable children to:

Develop communicative competence in the target language (French), enabling them to understand and express themselves in familiar contexts.
Gain an understanding and appreciation of the culture(s) associated with the target language.
Develop intercultural understanding and respect for diversity.
Make connections between their own language(s) and the target language.
Develop positive attitudes towards language learning and a foundation for future language acquisition.
Reflect on their learning and identify areas for growth.

This implementation statement will be reviewed regularly to ensure its continued alignment with the PYP philosophy and the evolving needs of our children. We believe that a vibrant and well-integrated MFL program is essential in nurturing internationally-minded, knowledgeable, and caring young learners.

Impact

Our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) program, delivered through the framework of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), cultivates internationally-minded learners who are equipped with the skills and attitudes necessary to thrive in a globalised world.

Through engaging with different languages and cultures, our children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and reducing prejudice. They learn that there are multiple ways of seeing the world. Exposure to MFL broadens their horizons, encouraging them to become active and responsible global citizens who recognise their interconnectedness with others. They develop an awareness of global issues and the role language plays in addressing them. Our MFL program celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity within our academy community and beyond, creating an inclusive environment where all children feel valued and respected.

Learning a new language enhances cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, memory, and multitasking. Children develop a greater awareness of language structures and patterns. The process of learning an additional language often leads to a deeper understanding of their own native language, improving vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. Children become more conscious of how language works, fostering a transferable skill that benefits their learning across the curriculum.

Our MFL program provides opportunities for children to develop practical communication skills in another language, building their confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Learning a new language encourages children to step outside their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. This fosters resilience and a growth mindset. Opportunities to share their learning in the target language enhance their presentation and communication skills, preparing them for future academic and social interactions.

MFL naturally lends itself to inquiry-based learning, allowing children to explore different cultures, traditions, and perspectives through the lens of language. Our MFL program is integrated with other subject areas, creating meaningful connections and reinforcing learning across the curriculum. For example, children might learn about the geography or history of a country where the target language is spoken. Engaging with different languages and cultures deepens children’s understanding of key PYP concepts such as culture, identity, and communication.

In conclusion, our MFL program, embedded within the PYP framework, has a significant and positive impact on our children. It empowers them to become internationally-minded individuals who are curious, knowledgeable, and caring, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. They develop essential skills, attitudes, and knowledge that extend far beyond the language classroom, enriching their overall learning journey and preparing them for future success.

What we do at LAPW...

We believe in fostering a love of languages and cultures through a rich and varied Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum, with a special focus on French. Our dedicated Specialist French Teacher brings language to life, using engaging methods that extend beyond the classroom. We utilise LanguageNut, an interactive online platform, to support children's learning and practice. Throughout the year, we celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity with exciting Language/Culture Days, including whole-school events like European Day of Languages, Chinese New Year, and Bastille Day. We also honor our unique connection to Bereko Day, celebrating our partnership with our sister school in Tanzania. Our enthusiastic Language Ambassadors champion MFL across the school, while our well-stocked MFL Library and collection of dual-language books cater to all children, especially those who speak another language at home. To ensure a smooth transition to secondary school, we have a strong link with Mascalls Academy for our Year 6 students. Beyond the curriculum, children can join our popular French Club, where they enjoy board games, crafts, and other fun activities in French. We also integrate French Literacy into our teaching, with simple French fiction and non-fiction books that classes enjoy as part of their curriculum, encouraging reading for pleasure in another language.

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