MFL

Subject Leader: Mrs J Copeland

'The limits of my language mean the limits of my world'

Ludwig Wittgenstein 

Intent

French has been chosen for a number of reasons.  Not only is France our closest neighbour in mainland Europe, but French is spoken all over the world and is recognised as an official language in 33 countries. French allows our pupils to find similarities with the English language.  Many of our pupils also speak other European languages, enabling children to also make connections with other languages they speak.  French is taught in many of the secondary schools within our community and this was taken into consideration when we made our choice of language.  Our intention is for our children to be in a good position to pursue French further when they leave us.

Implementation

Pupils are taught French by enthusiastic staff who are confident in speaking the language.  Our school has chosen to use the highly recommended Language Angels resource, which is designed to meet the objectives of the DfE National Curriculum.  The resource is reviewed and updated at least annually.  The Language Angels resource has been adapted to cater for our pupils’ needs and the dynamics of our school.  Topics from the resource have been carefully chosen to revisit our key Threads (Me & my family; The world around me; Dates).  The chosen topics from the resource enable children to explore the French language through the key Concepts (speaking; listening; reading; writing; grammar).

 

French topics are taught over a two-year cycle.  In the first part of each year, children will learn and revise French through the Core Vocabulary unit and the Early Language units.  Later in the year, acquired language is revised and built upon in the Intermediate units.  Pupils experience lessons which are presented in a variety of ways and which meet the needs of children of different abilities including children with SEND.  Pupils are also able to extend their learning at home through online activities.  Repetition is used to secure new language.  Children play games, which can be accessed at home, and learn songs using familiar melodies.  As well as being fun, these help the children to retain the new language.  Children are encouraged to use the language they have learnt outside of lessons, in conversations with each other and with staff they come across around the school.

• Lenses: Action & Consequence; Change & Continuity; Significance; Similarities & Differences; Environmental & Sustainable Citizenship; Spirituality 

• Threads: Me & my family; The world around me; Dates

• Concepts: Speaking; Listening; Reading; Writing; Grammar

Impact

Curriculum for L.I.F.E 

Sequencing & Organisation