Modern Foreign Language Subject Leader: Mrs Russ

Curriculum Aims

At Gade Valley Primary School, we believe that enabling pupils to express their ideas in another language provides essential and practical knowledge for them to participate as global citizens in the 21st century. Pupils are given the opportunity to develop an international outlook and gain an insight into the people and culture of other countries. Our intention is that pupils will develop a deep curiosity for language as they learn to express themselves with increasing confidence. Language learning is beneficial as it boosts self-esteem and further develops pupils understanding of English: pupils use what they learn in one language to reinforce what they have learned in another. In addition, learning a language helps our pupils to develop their CHAMP skills of Confidence, Helpfulness, Attentiveness, Motivation and Perseverance.

We believe that our Modern Foreign Language (MFL) curriculum will enable:

• The majority of pupils in each year group to be working at or above the expected level for their age.
• Pupils to acquire a deeper curiosity for language learning.
• The development of language skills to equip them for life-long learning.

How we teach MFL

At Gade Valley, pupils learn French in Key Stage 2, based on the National Curriculum Programme of Study for languages. All MFL lessons include the Gade Valley Principles of Teaching and Learning, which ensures that all pupils are challenged, learning time is maximised and clear learning goals are provided. French lessons take place weekly. We use the Twinkl scheme of work and resources to ensure that the four key language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are covered in an age-appropriate way across Key Stage 2.

Our French teaching is progressive. Each unit increases in the level of challenge and linguistic and grammatical complexity as the pupils move through the early language units in Years 3 and 4, through the intermediate units in Years 4 and 5 and into the most challenging units in Year 6.  Language learning is fun and we use a variety of teaching methods, including games, role-play, songs and computer-based interactive games.

Where appropriate, we make sure that French is linked to class topics and cross-curricular themes. Occasionally, we hold special events to deepen pupils experience and knowledge of the language. For example, we held a French day where children had the opportunity to sample some of the language, culture (and food!) of France. Also, in the Summer Term 2023, we held a cross-curricular ‘Bastille’ Day, in which  children enjoyed learning more about France and the culture. 

Key Developments and Information for 2022/23

Up to July 2023:

• In the 2021/22 academic year, the majority of pupils achieved age related expectations or above. 
• It is evident that French is being taught across Key Stage 2.
• The pupil's are engaged in their learning and are confident to share this with others.
• Pupil's are developing their conversational skills as shown in the class assemblies.
• Regular lessons are taught using the Language Angels scheme.
• In pupil voice:
• All pupils enjoy learning French.
• The pupils feel challenged and enjoy using their skills to have French conversations. 
• Pupils also enjoy learning through songs (for example in Year 3 they learned about the body parts through singing "head, shoulders, knees and toes in French).
• Evidence of lessons was shown in Learning Journey books and displays in classrooms. 

Key Information for 2021/2022

• In the 2020/21 academic year, the majority of pupils achieved age related expectations or above.
• Children celebrate their language learning in regular class assemblies where they perform to parents
• Sometimes, where possible, French language units link to the children’s topic work, where they supplement their learning by building a vocabulary bank of topic words alongside the English terms.

• Pupil voice (in Key Stage 2) states that:
• most children think that their French lessons are fun

• pupils feel that their teachers encourage them to participate in French lessons and they enjoy having French conversations with each other
• they know when they have done something well
• they are proud of the fact that they can say some words and sentences in another language
• They like the language angels scheme that we use but they would like the time to play more of the interactive games and use the online resources more.

• In the Spring term of 2020, the French subject blog was updated to show the increasing amount of French work on display.
• During lockdown, teachers regularly posted French activities on their home learning pages and some children celebrated their learning by sending in their work to their class teachers.