Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Curriculum Journey

Intent

The main focus of MFL will be to give pupils a well-rounded knowledge of the basics of our chosen language: French. From Year 3 to Year 6 there will be a clear progression of skills which involves new learning and recapping on previous teaching, building vocabulary and language. 

In these weekly lessons we will provide an appropriate balance of spoken and written language that will lay the foundations for further foreign language teaching at Key Stage 3. Pupils will be able to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing with a main focus being on practical communication. 

In addition MFL at Oakwood intends to expose our pupils to a variety of languages and cultures, including those represented in our school. We aim to celebrate the diversity of language by holding a languages week annually where we hope to foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world and other cultures. 

Implementation

As we are re-launching the curriculum in school, the content will need to be developed over the course of a four year period. Currently all year groups are working at the beginning of the process and therefore starting with the Year 3 scheme of work.  

By the end of Key Stage 2 and through the use of songs, rhymes, stories, poems and games the children will be taught to: 

• Listen attentively to the spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding. 

• Explore the patterns and sounds of language and link spelling, sound and meaning of words. 

• Engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help. 

• Speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures. 

• Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases. 

• Present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences. 

• Read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing. 

• Broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary. 

• Write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, express ideas clearly. 

• Describe people, places, and things orally and in writing. 

• Understand some of the basic grammar in French. 

Impact 

• Children will become confident to engage in simple conversations and will have an awareness of the vocabulary and language needed in a variety of situations. 

• They will have an understanding of simple French language which will form the basis of future work to be undertaken in Key Stage 3. 

• The children will have an awareness of intercultural understanding with respect to languages represented at Oakwood. 

• Children will have gained a clear insight into similarities and differences between themselves and those of French speaking children.