Intent

All pupils at Grayswood CE Primary School have the right to a rich and deep learning experience which includes the learning of the basics of an additional language. Learning a foreign language is an integral part of being a member of a multi-cultural society and provides an opening to other cultures. This is especially important given the demographic of our school community. A high-quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding and appreciation of the world. The study of languages prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly carried out in languages other than English. In addition, understanding a modern foreign language increases a child’s understanding of their own language, and the building blocks which form this. The process of learning a foreign language reinforces fluency and understanding of grammar, syntax, sentence structure and verbal precision.

We teach a curriculum that enables our pupils to become effective users of language, and show an understanding and respect of different cultures in our local, national and global communities.

Through the teaching of French at Grayswood CE Primary School, 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, which builds year on year

It is intended that when children leave Grayswood CE Primary, they will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore other countries, cultures and languages, accepting that, in a multi-lingual society, it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language. They will be engaged and prepared to continue language learning at Secondary School.

Implementation 

At Grayswood CE Primary School we teach French across Key Stage 2. We primarily use the PlanIt French primary scheme of work from Twinkl to support the teaching and learning of French, with some adaptations where we see fit. Lessons are designed to motivate children, have clear, achievable objectives and incorporate creative activities for different learning styles. In Lower Key Stage 2, children acquire basic skills and an understanding of the French language. There is a strong emphasis on developing speaking and listening skills. These are then embedded and further developed in Upper Key Stage 2, alongside reading and writing, gradually progressing onto more complex language concepts and greater learner autonomy. Lessons are taught weekly for approximately 1 hour.

In line with the National Curriculum for MFL, pupils at Grayswood CE Primary School are taught to:

• listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
• explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
• engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help
• speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures
• develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases
• present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences
• read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
• appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language
• broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary
• write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clear
• describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing
• understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English

Impact

We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

• observing children speaking and listening in another language
• marking of written work
• pupil discussions about their learning through the use of pupil voice
• images and videos of children completing speaking and listening activities
• learning walks
• annual reporting of standards across the curriculum to parents

Enrichment in MFL

In addition to the curriculum, we offer the following enrichment opportunities in MFL for children at Grayswood CE Primary School:

• After school French club for children in KS1