A Policy for Modern Foreign Languages in Action
The Contribution of MFL to the Primary School Curriculum
The learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils. Pupils develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning. They develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between French and English. Learning another language raises awareness of the multilingual and multicultural world and introduces an international dimension to pupils’ learning, giving them an insight into their own culture and those of others. The learning of a foreign language provides a medium for cross-curricular links and for reinforcement of knowledge, skills and understanding developed in other subjects.
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of learning a Modern Foreign Language in primary school are to:
- foster an interest in learning other languages;
- introduce young children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun;
- stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language;
- encourage children to be aware that language has structure and that the structure differs from one language to another;
- help the children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries;
- develop their speaking and listening skills;
- lay the foundations for future study;
The children are taught how to:
- ask and answer questions;
- use correct pronunciation and grammar;
- interpret meaning;
- understand basic grammar;
- use dictionaries;
- work in pairs and groups and communicate in French;
- look at life in another culture.
Organisation
At Mab’s Cross School MFL is taught to children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 in short daily lessons. In Key Stage 2, the time for lessons is extended to incorporate other languages and to utilize the skills of specialist teachers. An integrated approach to the foreign language is taken within the primary curriculum, which allows teachers to develop learning on a little-and-often basis.
The curriculum
The curriculum is based on the New Primary Framework for Languages and the QCA guidelines for KS2 in the QCA scheme of work for Modern Foreign Languages (2007).
Planning for Continuity and Progression
At Mab’s Cross School we plan for continuity and progression by linking the QCA units of work to the foundation subjects and through teaching MFL as a discrete subject. Progression is recorded and monitored through the Language Portfolio.
Teaching and Learning Styles
The teaching is based on the guidance material in the New Primary Framework for Languages and the QCA scheme of work for Modern Foreign Languages. Teachers use a variety of techniques to encourage the children to have an active engagement with the Modern Foreign Language, including games, role play and action songs. They use puppets and soft toys to demonstrate and present the foreign language.
Teachers also use mime to present new vocabulary, as this serves to demonstrate French without the need for translation. Schools invite native speakers into the classroom to provide an excellent model of the spoken language as well as to involve the children in learning about the culture of France. Listening, responding and speaking skills are emphasised in Foundation Stage, KS1 and Year 3 and then additional reading and writing skills in KS2. A multi-sensory and kinaesthetic approach to teaching is used and teachers try to make lessons as enjoyable as possible so that the children develop a positive attitude to the learning of Modern Foreign Languages.
Assessment
Teachers assess children’s progress informally during the lessons, evaluating progress against the four national Attainment Targets of:
Listening and Responding;
- Speaking;
- Reading and Responding;
- Writing.
Monitoring and review
The MFL co-ordinators provide the Headteacher with a yearly report on practice and progress. The Headteacher reports to the governors on progress in teaching and learning.