Intent

In Key Stage 2 at Field Lane, the core language taught is French. We believe that learning a foreign language provides an insight into other cultures and enhances children’s social development. Our MFL curriculum promotes pupils’ curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world around them. There are at least 7 different languages spoken and so it is vital that we help children develop their awareness of cultural differences.

Learning French helps our children to work together and communicate. It offers opportunities for developing speaking and listening skills. Our teaching provides children with practical experiences, keeping learning fun and real. We encourage children to speak with increasing confidence and fluency through discussions, asking questions and role play activities. 

Children broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words introduced through half termly themes. They write vocabulary and phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences describing people, places, things and actions.

By the end of upper KS2, we hope our children will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore other countries, cultures and languages and understand that in a multilingual society it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language.

Implementation

Our languages curriculum is designed to progressively develop children’s skills in French, through weekly lessons. At Field Lane we follow a French language scheme of work which progresses children’s language learning through engaging activities, games, songs and stories. Lessons are designed to provide children with opportunities for speaking and listening, reading and writing with a focus on building key vocabulary and phrases around everyday aspects.

Learning is progressive and is organised into different themes for Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6, following a 2 year cycle and each one allows plenty of opportunity for children to build upon their prior knowledge. There are also many opportunities for children to learn about French culture and Francophone countries around the world.

All of our children in KS2 have a French exercise book for learning and writing new vocabulary and phrases and also for taking part in written activities and games. Our children are encouraged to engage in a variety of enjoyable and practical learning activities such as: French games, learning stories, outdoor learning vocabulary hunts, interactive whiteboard activities, playground games, songs, videos, taking part in drama and role-plays and kinaesthetic learning. This approach serves to develop a positive attitude in our children when learning a modern foreign language.

We encourage lots of working together time and children work in pairs and in groups of mixed ability in order to practice their spoken language skills and develop their confidence.

We have consulted with our local Batley Multi Academy Trust schools to ensure our children’s learning will continue through to KS3.

Every year, we celebrate a French café morning organised and planned by our children in Year 5. Children have the exciting opportunity to eat and drink some typical French snacks and drinks whilst listening to French music. All children from across the school are invited to take part and sample some of the tasty snacks and practice some simple vocabulary and phrases.

Children’s learning is assessed on a half termly basis using teacher assessment trackers and observations. Assessment is ongoing throughout each module to inform future planning and lesson activities. Children are also encouraged to self-assess their own learning at the end of each half term’s work. 

Teachers set high expectations for all children. They will use appropriate assessment to set ambitious targets and plan challenging work for all groups, including:

•   More able children
•   Children with low prior attainment
•   Children from disadvantaged backgrounds
•   Children with SEN
•   Children with English as an additional language (EAL)

Teachers will plan lessons so that children with SEN and/or disabilities can study every subject, wherever possible, and ensure that there are no barriers to every child achieving.

Teachers use inclusive high quality teaching to meet the needs of all children through an adapted curriculum.

Teachers will also take account of the needs of children whose first language is not English. 

Further information can be found in our statement of equality information and objectives, and in our SEN policy and information report.

Impact 

At Field Lane School, we want our children to feel inspired and want to learn more about French. We believe our French curriculum will ensure all children develop key language learning skills, as set out by the national curriculum. We would like children at our school to enjoy learning and have a good understanding of French culture and language, which also links to the British Values in school including individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. We encourage our learners to be ready for the next stage of education.

How do we measure the impact?

• Observe and listen to children’s speaking and listening skills in French lessons.
• Listen to children’s feedback about the half termly units and their learning.
• Use questioning to understand our children’s views and attitudes to learning a language.
• Provide children with verbal and written feedback about their work.
• Use half termly learning trackers to monitor progress and understanding.