Intent

Our MFL curriculum provides children with the confidence to speak aloud in French with a good accent and with correct pronunciation. Children learn to understand and respond to increasingly complex spoken and written language as they move up through KS2. They begin to have an understanding of the structure of the French language and how this relates to other languages they know, which in turn supports their understanding of the English language and its grammar. Children develop their communication skills both in written and spoken form and will improve their background knowledge of everyday life and culture in France. Through studying MFL at Walton Oak, children become properly equipped to take advantage of the more in depth study of languages at KS3.

 

Implementation

Every year group in KS2 receives a 30 minute French lesson each week delivered by the class teachers. Children work through six language units a year which have been specifically chosen to link directly with each year group’s termly/half termly curriculum plan. Class teachers have access to the MFL Whole School Overview and Progression Map along with access to the Language Angels scheme of work and its resources to support the teaching of French. Through our Progression Map and with the support of Language Angels, all the relevant objectives from the National Curriculum are covered.  

Whilst much of the learning in French lessons is oral and therefore not recorded, children are required to complete at least one piece of written work each half term. The length of this varies from year group to year group, ranging from writing short sentences in Year 3, to completing a short paragraph in Year 6.  Any written work is  kept in children’s French folders which move up with the children as they progress through the school. The folders contain vocabulary lists for each unit. Learning intention sheets are placed in the folders for children to reference whilst completing the units. Children take ownership of their learning by marking and assessing each part of the unit once completed. 

 

Impact 

Learning MFL at Walton Oak equips the children with many transferable skills and provides an opening to other cultures. Learning a second language boosts problem solving, critical thinking and listening skills. The addition of learning a new vocabulary helps to improve memory, concentration and the ability to multitask. Communication is an integral part of all lessons and therefore learning French at Walton Oak, requires children to develop their communication skills and their confidence at speaking in front of others. Furthermore, learning another language can also deepen children’s understanding of the English language and its grammar.