St Michael's C of E Primary School

St Michael's C of E Primary School
Journeying together with Christ

MFL

Proverbs 22:6

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they shall not turn from this.”

Intent

At St Michael’s, we understand that modern foreign languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education employment and leisure in this country and around the world. Learning a modern foreign language enhances cultural awareness, promotes curiosity, deepens an understanding of the world as a global community and opens doors to future opportunities. Our French lessons aim to be dynamic, immersive and interactive; encouraging children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers both in speech and writing. This culminates in a four-day residential to France in Year 6 where children are able to use their language skills in a practical way and in a real context. It is our aim to instil an enjoyment and enthusiasm for languages and to ensure that all pupils develop a solid foundation in French vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural understanding to equip them with essential language skills and intercultural competence in their future learning.

By the end of Year 6 pupils will be able to:-

Listening

  • Understand that sounds and letter combinations need to be said and written differently than in English.
  • Listen to spoken foreign language for details and gist.
  • Understand the main spoken points of a short text on a known topic that contains familiar and unfamiliar language.
  • Be confident and open to understanding very familiar language spoken by someone other than their teacher.

 

Speaking 

  • Take part in a simple conversation, ask and answer questions and express opinions.
  • Retrieve numbers up to 50 with accuracy and numbers up to 100 with reasonable accuracy
  • Recite a short piece of narrative from memory with increasing confidence accuracy and expression
  • Present simple information on a familiar topic to the class. 
  • Understand the term “conjugation” and what it means when looking at familiar verbs in the present tense.

 

Reading 

  • Read aloud with increasing confidence accuracy and expression. 
  • Be willing to have a go at tackling the pronunciation of new and unfamiliar words using phonic knowledge gained throughout KS2. 
  • Understand key points in short written texts in familiar contexts and be able to give simple answers in French and more complex answers in English.
  • Find the meaning of new words using a bilingual dictionary

 

Writing 

  • Write a short text on a familiar topic using a model and adapting language already learnt to suit their own purpose.
  • Show understanding of nouns, forming the plural, word order and agreement of high frequency adjectives.
  • Apply understanding of conjugation to two or three familiar verbs in the present tense.
  • Use peer and self-assessment strategies to support learning.

 

Early Years Building Blocks

French in foundation stage is under review. Currently, children are exposed to French through morning greetings and classroom routines.

 

Implementation

Curriculum Design:

  • Our French curriculum is adapted from the DFE KS2 programmes of study, building progression from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, ensuring continuity and sequential learning.
  • Children are taught once a week for an hour.
  • Lessons are structured to cover key language principles, including vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading, and writing, in an engaging and ageappropriate manner.
  • Knowledge Organisers are used to show key language, knowledge and meaning for each topic area covered.

 

Specialist Teaching: 

  • We have a dedicated French language specialist who delivers high-quality, interactive lessons that cater to the diverse learning needs of our pupils.
  • A range of resources, including multimedia, songs, games, and real-life scenarios are used to make learning French enjoyable and meaningful.

 

Cultural Enrichment:

  • In addition to language skills, our curriculum incorporates cultural aspects Frenchspeaking countries through exploring traditions, festivals, cuisine, and literature.
  • We organise cultural events as well as a four-day residential to France in Year 6 to immerse pupils in the richness of the French language and culture beyond the classroom.

 

Assessment and Feedback: 

  • Regular formative assessments are conducted to monitor pupil progress and identify areas for improvement.

 

Feedback is personalised and constructive, encouraging pupils to reflect on their learning and set goals for development in French language proficiency.

 

Impact

Pupil Engagement and Progress:

  • Through our French curriculum, pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning the language and participate actively in lessons.
  • Progress shows a measurable improvement in pupils' language skills, confidence in speaking and understanding French, and cultural awareness.
  • Cultural Awareness and Respect: Pupils show respect and appreciation for the diversity of languages and cultures within our school
  • Readiness for Future Learning: By equipping pupils with foundational French language skills and cultural understanding, we prepare them for further language studies in secondary school and beyond.
  • Pupils develop transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, enhancing their academic and personal growth.

 

Progression in Modern Foreign Languages