MFL
“Be all you can be!”
At Beeston we teach French, as we believe it helps children to develop communication skills; including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. We encourage children to become receptive to learning, and have an innate curiosity when learning a language, its new words and new sounds. We strive for children to be confident, curious, and less anxious learners. We consider that learning a new language has an impact on improving critical thinking skills and enhancing social skills. We believe that learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others and be more informed about global citizenship.
Intent
At Beeston we follow the ‘Language Angels’ planning format. This is mapped against the national curriculum for MFL for Key stage 2. We use knowledge organisers from ‘Twinkl’ that map directly onto the specific knowledge needed to learn within each year group. French is taught at KS2 as a large majority of children move on to attend Litcham High School, which continues French at KS3 and beyond, thus giving children some experience of a language other than English. There are 15 units taught across each year group in KS3 that develop skills and progression by revising prior knowledge and building upon it each year. These units include; A cultural unit, number and alphabet, about me, my family and community, colours, animals, the calendar, clothing, shopping, celebrations, sports and hobbies and school. There is a transition unit in year 6 that allows children to compare life as a French child to that of one living in England.
Implementation
French is taught either weekly for an hour or as a ½ termly unit of work that equates to 6 hours of teaching (per half-term). We aim to ensure that all children have access to French being taught across Key Stage 2, with each year developing knowledge and competency across the skills of grammar, listening, speaking and writing. All children in Key Stage 2 have a French book, where work is recorded-this book follows them throughout their journey through French to the end of Key Stage 2. French is taught using practical resources, videos for pronunciation and oral practice as well as worksheets and mini tasks that show progression.
Impact
The curriculum we offer ensures that the French language is appreciated, and that France is studied as far as customs, traditions, festivals and similarities and differences with children’s own culture. French is assessed under the four categories of grammar, speaking, listening and writing to inform an overall competency judgement and recorded on pupil asset, at the end of every academic year.
