MFL Curriculum

“To learn a language; is to have one more window from which to look at the window” – Chinese Proverb

“A different language is a different vision of life” – Federico Fellini

“With languages, you are at home anywhere.” – Edward De Waal

MFL Statement of Intent

Intent
In line with our vision of children becoming their best versions and the National Curriculum 2014 for Modern Foreign Languages aims to ensure that all children:

• Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources.
• Are able to speak with increasing confidence, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and that they are continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation.

Through the study of another language, we look to foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. At St John the Baptist we are committed to ensuring that growing knowledge of another language enables children to interpret, create and exchange meaning within and across cultures. It also helps children develop skills that will open further opportunities later in life. The teaching of French in KS2 provides an appropriate balance of spoken and written language and lays foundations for teaching and learning at KS3.

Implementation
Children are introduced to French in year 3 using the ‘Twinkl’ French Scheme. Lessons across the Key Stage support the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing:

• Children are taught to listen attentively to spoken language and respond, joining in with songs, rhymes and games.
• Children develop an appreciation of a variety of stories, songs, poems and rhymes in French.

Impact
Our MFL curriculum ensures that children develop a knowledge of French, providing children with the confidence to develop linguistically. Pupils understand French in real life scenarios such as when going on holiday.  The teaching of French in KS2 provides an appropriate balance of spoken with some written language and lays the foundations for further foreign language learning.  Our MFL curriculum further supports the teaching of British Values such as tolerance by informing children about different cultures.