Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Language Statement of Intent:
At Stanton, we believe 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 will foster children's curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching at Stanton enables children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and gives them the opportunities to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learning new ways of thinking. The teaching of a language should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping children to study and work in other countries. We believe that another benefit for teaching a language is that it helps to children to understand their own language and reinforce rules of both their native language and the language they are learning. It can help to reinforce grammatical terms in order for them to advance in both English and the Modern Foreign Language.
Our French lessons are taught weekly across Key Stage 2 when key vocabulary and grammar, both written and oral, are introduced to the children in context. We use a wide variety of resources to facilitate this including Rachel Hawkes Languages which offers excellent staff CPD. We strive to embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing necessary to enable children to use and apply their French learning in a variety of contexts and lay the foundations for future language learning. Because of this, we revisit taught vocabulary regularly to ensure this is embedded into the children's long term memory and in turn frees up their working memory when learning new content. Our MFL curriculum is designed to progressively develop children's skills in languages. Children progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics. This can also help with developing new words in the children’s first language. In order to develop language further we also have a range of French books available in the library for children. As a school will also plan links to develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries. In particular, we focus on the language we are learning and focus on their lifestyles and celebrations. As well as this the children will also have a knowledge of French speaking cultures. As well as this it is important that the children have an understanding of the language they are studying and time is taken to have understanding of the structure of the language and how the language differs from their first spoken language. We allow the children to link their learning to a number of other subjects and contexts for example in music by singing a range of French songs, using French money and comparing grammar rules to English.
As a school we are passionate that the children remember the vocabulary that they have learnt in order to develop their knowledge of the language. There are clear links to our strong focus on Oracy skills here. In order for this to be a success we remember and recall daily vocabulary of the date, weather and the particular vocabulary appropriate to the topic being studied. At Stanton we do not have children from a diverse number of countries and many of our children do not travel regularly to other countries. In response we aim to broaden our children’s experiences at the end of Key Stage 2 by regularly giving them the opportunity to apply their language skills and immerse themselves in a different language and culture.
It is intended that when children leave Stanton Community Primary School, they will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore, other countries, cultures and languages, accepting that, in a multi-lingual society it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language. They will be engaged and prepared to continue language learning at High School. We strive to have a strong link with the High school in our partnership in order for the children to have teaching from experts in this field.
Children 'doing' French
Useful Documents
For more information on the school's teaching and learning in French please do not hesitate to get in contact with Miss Samuels, the French lead, or click on the links below for some informative documents.
Stanton Community Primary School French Curriculum
Stanton Community Primary School French Policy
Stanton Community Primary School Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural aspects of French
Modern Foreign Languages at Home
As well as any homework that is sent home their are lots of things that children can do at home both online but also with their family. Look at the attached resources to help you with some ideas.
Activities to support learning in school
