Intent- Modern Foreign Languages

With our long tradition of language learning, we are committed to providing every child with a sound foundation in a modern foreign language (MFL) from Reception.  At Parkfield Primary School, French is the chosen language.   

We plan for language learning to nurture curiosity by opening a door to the wider world.  We want it to enable children to learn about, and foster an interest in, a language and culture other than their own. Our intent is for children to develop their personal resilience, knowledge, skills and understanding.  We plan that learning a language will help children to develop transferable linguistic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing to other languages.   

MFL makes a major contribution to their ability to understand the structure and grammar of English.  It raises awareness of their own and other cultures through intercultural understanding.  We offer a broad, rich and demanding languages curriculum with a strong cross-curricular focus.  It is our aim to engage and enthuse the children by giving them the opportunity to apply their learning to a range of different subjects, topics and themes.   

Our language learning allows children to develop their curiosity, confidence and skills to apply to any language.  We deliver a sound foundation in languages to prepare every child to meet the rigours of the new GCSE and the English Baccalauréat. We intend to equip our children for a bright future in a globally connected workplace.

Implementation

Languages (French) are delivered to all children by a Specialist MFL Teacher.  Children are taught in their year groups, KS2: Y3, Y4, Y6 and receive an hour session every other week.  Year 5 receives an hour of language learning weekly.  In addition, Reception children have a weekly 30-minute session.  Y1 and 2 receive an hour session every other week. 

Learning languages at Foundation Stage and KS1 is intended to complement the languages taught at KS2 in a less formal way, concentrating mainly on speaking and listening. It aims to be a truly cross-curricular experience and gives languages a real sense of purpose with the core aim of developing a diverse range of vocabulary to grow communication skills, confidence and a lifelong interest in languages and other countries. The emphasis is on whole class teaching during which, children will also learn individually, with a partner or as part of a small group.     

The 2014 National Curriculum provides attainment targets to be achieved by the end of KS2.  Each year group has a set of objectives linked to these attainment targets delivered at an age-appropriate level and designed to be progressive from Year 3 to Year 6.  The pillars of language learning are: phonics; grammar and vocabulary and these are the foundations on which we build and deliver progress.  To ensure clear progress is made and the latest DfE guidance (post Covid) is adhered to Parkfield School has adopted the Rachel Hawkes scheme of work.  Expectations of progress are clearly identified in this scheme of work and the children benefit from using subject booklets to record and review their own progress.  Learning objectives are clearly displayed in each booklet and the relevant objectives appear on each activity.  This scheme is supplemented by target language video clips, songs, fiction, non-fiction, bi-lingual dictionaries, Mon Ane and Take 10 DVDs to provide a stimulating, rich and varied French curriculum.  

Cultural Capital 

We have an annual languages day to engage and enthuse our Y5 children in many different languages. We work with Richard Huish College who provide students to deliver different language sessions & support this enrichment. At Parkfield we have a very diverse EAL community & we are proactive in promoting bi-lingualism to underpin cultural heritage & identity.  We are all mindful of the many different languages present within our school. 

How do we assess? 

Formative assessments are carried out continuously by observing, questioning and correcting misconceptions.  Effort is recognised as the corner stone of confidence and a growth mind set is encouraged at all times. Summative assessment of learning is carried out in three phases:  children peer assess each other’s learning; the MFL Teacher reviews it before the children improve their learning.  We record where the learning objective has been met and also where it hasn’t been achieved and where the areas for improvement are.  

 Progress is recorded using the MFL Assessment Grid, regularly updated and parents receive an annual written report about their child’s progress in French. 

Impact

By the end of their time at Parkfield, as linguists, the children will be: 

• Successful learners who develop their personal resilience, knowledge, skills and understanding to develop transferable language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.   

• Confident Individual who are engaged and enthused to apply their learning to a range of different subjects, topics, themes and future languages. 

• Responsible citizens who learn about, and foster an interest in, a language and culture other than their own.