MFL
Subject Lead: Miss M Eastwood
At Netherthong Primary School, we believe that the learning of a language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our children. It helps them to develop communication skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing and in addition, children’s knowledge of how language works will be developed to lay the foundations for further language learning in future. We believe that learning other languages gives children a new and broader perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand both their own culture and those of others. It is intended that when children leave Netherthong, they will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore other countries, cultures and languages. They will be enthusiastic to continue language learning at secondary school.
A high-quality French curriculum at Netherthong ensures that children can read fluently and recognise key vocabulary and phrases. We strive to ensure that by the end of KS2 they can hold simple conversations on familiar topics and read and write short passages about familiar topics, using key vocabulary and phrases to communicate their ideas. Children in Year 5 are given the opportunity to be introduced to Mandarin.
At Netherthong, in KS2, we follow Euro Stars New Primary French. Frequent and regular retrieval is part of every French session as pupils repeat basic skills such as greetings, key vocabulary, counting and sounds. Retrieval of previously learned content is frequent and regular, via songs and rhymes and regular re-cap and re-visiting, which means that children remember more and know more. In the wider curriculum, language skills are used for a variety of purposes such as research, word etymology for the English language and to make links with other cultures, festivals and traditions. We integrate language learning into everyday school life, with teachers, teaching assistants and children using and experimenting with their knowledge of French and indeed other languages whenever the opportunity arises. It is important that there is an emphasis on enjoyment as the new language is learnt.
Children are encouraged to gain a love of languages by being exposed to different languages and cultures from the earliest opportunity. KS1 often answer the register in different languages and greet each other in the morning using languages of their choice. They learn French with songs and rhymes. We use festivals around the world to celebrate language.
At KS2 we ensure that children are taught to listen, speak, read and write in French and to explore the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. Where opportunities arise, we welcome the opportunity to explore other languages and cultures as part of our broad and balanced curriculum, including Mandarin in Year 5. These skills are taught weekly, in one lesson a week and after school, children enjoy attending a Spanish club.
By the end of Key Stage 2, the overwhelming majority of children know, apply and understand the knowledge and skills below and are well prepared for further language learning at Key Stage 3 and beyond.
In French, children at the end of KS2 can read and understand the main points in short texts and hold simple conversations on familiar topics, taking part in conversations and giving opinions. They can use their French to refer to recent experiences and everyday activities
Pupils are assessed using summative assessments for each unit taught and we use formative assessment in regular retrieval sessions which assess knowledge, vocabulary skills and understanding of the spoken and written language.
If you were to walk into French lessons at Netherthong Primary School, you would see
- Engaged, confident learners continually improving their skills in new vocabulary, sounds and written words.
- Clear progression in knowledge and understanding of the French language from one year group to another.