Intent

At Fittleworth, part of our school vision is to value the world around us. We understand that Learning a foreign language, is a necessary part of being a member of a multi-cultural society and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world.

We intend to inspire and excite our pupils using a wide variety of themes. We hope to embed the essential skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. All necessary grammar will be covered in an age-appropriate way across the primary phase. We hope to lay the foundations for future learning, by preparing our children with the basics of the French language in readiness for their transition to secondary school, where they will continue with their MFL journey.

'The Limits of my language are the limits of my world.' Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Implement

Throughout Key Stage 2, children receive 45 minutes of French every week. This is perhaps a little more than is standard in most primary schools, as at Fittleworth, we feel passionate about MFL. Our MFL curriculum has been designed to progressively develop skills in French. We are currently using the Twinkl units to deliver our French lessons. These ensure children acquire a bank of vocabulary around organised and sequenced topics. They ensure development is progressive as they build on previous knowledge from units already studied.

Through this programme, Pupils have ample opportunities to demonstrate their learning through shared talking, games, role-play and actions, rhymes and songs. These all encourage pupils to actively engage with French, building their confidence through praise for any contribution they make in the foreign language, however tentative. Promoting a 'have a go attitude' is key in cultivating joy and confidence in MFL.

In addition, to enrich cultural understanding, we will celebrate French culture through themed days, for example our French cafe and French swap shop. Furthermore, we will further students' understanding and appreciation of the language beyond the classroom, by using Global Penfriends, to write to a French citizen.

Finally, the children will complete, termly formative assessments and feedback mechanisms to monitor progress, adjust teaching strategies, and ensure that students are meeting their learning objectives.

'A different language is a different vision of life,' Federico Fellini.

Impact

Through quality first teaching of French, our French curriculum will ensure all pupils develop key language learning skills, as set out by the national curriculum, as well as a love of languages and an appreciation for other cultures. By the time they leave Fittleworth, pupils will have acquired basic skills in the 4 key strands of language learning – speaking, listening, reading and writing. Children will transfer to KS3 effectively and successfully and will be well prepared to continue and develop their language skills.

'To learn a language, is to have one more window from which to look at the world,' Chinese Proverb.