Modern Foreign Language
Intent
French is the only MFL studied at South Crosland C.E. (A) Junior School; this specific focus enables pupils to make good progress in one language and lays the foundation for future language learning.
The intent of our MFL curriculum is to ensure that all pupils understand and respond to high quality spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources. Our programme of study aims to enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language confidently and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.
A high-quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world whilst also equipping them with the skills and confidence to interact within it, certainly within French speaking countries.
At South Crosland C.E. (A) Junior School, we are committed to ensuring that competence in another language enables children to interpret, create and exchange meaning within and across cultures. It also helps children develop skills that will open further opportunities later in life.
The teaching of French in KS2 provides an appropriate balance of spoken and written language and lays the foundations for further foreign language teaching at KS3.
Implementation
Each class has a timetabled French lesson of 40 minutes per week which uses a range of resources built into a tailored programme of study, to develop the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing within the subject such that:
* Children are taught to listen attentively to spoken language and respond, as well as developing these skills.
* Links will be established with a local secondary school (Honley High School).
* Children will make links with children in France (currently Quemeneven), with correspondence taking place.
* Children develop an appreciation of a variety of stories, songs, poems and rhymes in French that are delivered throughout the curriculum.
Observations of French lessons take place to ensure the high quality of teaching of French.
Staff are offered opportunities for CPD to increase their confidence when delivering a language and to help improve their pronunciation. Copies of the 4 x 1 hour workshops (delivered by Language Angels) are available on the server.
A planned annual refresher staff meeting to recap the French curriculum, teaching strategies and CPD available.
Our programme of study uses Early Start and Rigolo to introduce the unit from a native speaker to ensure the children have heard the correct the pronunciation of new vocabulary. Where this is not possible a French teacher from our local high school provides recordings.
A planned pupil questionnaire allows pupil voice to steer the French units and activities, they feedback on what they enjoy about the subject and what they would like to improve.
Impact
In KS2, children’s written work is currently stored in a designated French file, which stays with the child as they move through the Key Stage. We have introduced French books in Year 3, which will then follow the child through school. This will allow us to see the progression of written work.
Assessment and Reporting
Knowledge and skills are assessed both through self-assessment and teacher assessment. Children self-assess through ‘I can statements’ after each unit. Teacher assessment examines key skills and achievements throughout the year under the headings of oracy, literacy and intercultural Understanding. These assessments are started in year 3 and will now be glued in the back of children’s books. A staff meeting is planned to moderate French assessment to check the accuracy of data.