Modern Foreign Languages – curriculum information
Intent
At Withernsea Primary School we believe the learning of another language to be a valuable and cultural experience for our pupils. The main focus of MFL will be to give pupils a well-rounded knowledge of the basics of our chosen language: French. From Year 3 to Year 6 there will be a clear progression of skills which involves new learning and recapping on previous teaching, building vocabulary and language.
In these weekly lessons, we will provide an appropriate balance of spoken and written language that will lay the foundations for further foreign language teaching at Key Stage 3. Pupils will be able to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing with a main focus being on practical communication.
Implementation
The curriculum is led and overseen by one MFL lead
At Withernsea Primary School, we have recently subscribed to the Language Angels Scheme of Work to teach French across the school. All French lessons follow a thematic approach lasting 6 weeks with clearly organized units ranging from Core Vocabulary, Phonics and Grammar, Early Language, Intermediate Language, Progressive and Creative Language, thus allowing for progression.
We will undertake a regular programme of monitoring, evaluation and review.
The KS2 Programme of study(2014)
By the end of Key Stage 2 and through the use of songs, rhymes, stories, poems and games the children will be taught to:
- Listen attentively to the spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding.
- Explore the patterns and sounds of language and link 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.
- 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.
- 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, express ideas clearly.
- Describe people, places, and things orally and in writing.
- Understand some of the basic grammar in French.
Impact
- Children will become confident to engage in simple conversations and will have an awareness of the vocabulary and language needed in a variety of situations.
- They will have an understanding of simple French language which will form the basis of future work to be undertaken in Key Stage 3.
- Children will have gained a clear insight into similarities and differences between themselves and those of French speaking children.
Information for parents
‘ I would just like to say what a great help all the teachers and staff at Withernsea Primary School have been to parents/grandparents and carers during these very strange last months. Thank you’
‘thank you for keeping me safe’
‘Pupils behave well in the classroom and around the school. Teachers support pupils with
identified behaviour difficulties well.’
‘I love school, its amazing, its like a second home’
‘Leaders, including governors, understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school’s work.
They take decisive action to secure improvement. Consequently, the gaps in the progress made by different groups of pupils are diminishing.’
‘Most-able pupils and those who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities generally make good progress because teachers match tasks carefully to their needs.’
‘Leaders have made significant improvements to early years provision. As a result, children
are making a strong start in building their skills in reading, writing and mathematics.’
‘I love school’ …
‘You have all been amazing. I hope all you teachers are proud of yourselves for the way you have conducted things throughout this pandemic. Proud to say my children are students at Withernsea Primary School’
‘Pupils who are experiencing significant turbulence in their lives are well supported. As a result, they stay engaged in their learning.’
‘I would like to say thank you to everyone at Withernsea Primary School for everything you have done…..you have all been amazing’
‘I love school, its a good place to learn’…
‘The curriculum supports pupils in developing positive attitudes to learning. Leaders have linked activities closely to pupils’ interests and aspirations. This has been particularly successful in engaging boys.’
‘its really fun, it makes learning fun’
Pupils are making good progress in improving their reading, writing and mathematical skills. Pupils’ progress in key stage 1 is particularly strong. Pupils are developing a range of exciting vocabulary in their writing. Pupils’ handwriting and spelling are weaker.
‘Teaching is improving. Teachers are successful in keeping pupils on task. They offer pupils activities which catch their imagination and motivate them to do well.’
‘the teachers explain really well’