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Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Modern Foreign Language Subject Leader: Mrs J Hinde

For any more information on Horton Kirby’s MFL Curriculum, please contact the office.

At Horton Kirby, we teach modern foreign languages to support the understanding of a multi-cultural world. French is the 5th most widely spoken language across the globe, this gives our pupils the ability to learn the basics of an additional language.

Intent

At Horton Kirby CE Primary School, we aim to promote high standards and deliver high quality teaching and learning of a modern foreign language, French.

Understanding a modern foreign language increases a child’s understanding of their own language, and the building blocks which form this. The process of learning a foreign language reinforces fluency and understanding of grammar, syntax, sentence structure and verbal precision

There are 3 pillars of progression: phonics, grammar and vocabulary and the interplay of these pillars are the key to understand and speak a language.  Increased capability in the use of languages can promote initiative and independent learning and encourages diversity within society. We teach a curriculum using the 3 pillars of progression and this enables our pupils to become effective users of language, and show an understanding and respect of different cultures in our local, national environment.

pupils of horton kirby primary school playing a game to match french colours
KS2 pupils matching pairs in french lesson at horton kirby primary school

Implementation

All KS2 children have weekly, discrete language lessons in French delivered by the MFL subject lead or TA using the languages scheme of work (Kapow!) – which covers all aspects of the MFL curriculum,: speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural understanding, and progressing these skills and knowledge throughout Key Stage 2. Activities can consist of actions, rhymes, stories, song, drama, grammar focus, video clips, sentence structure, dictionary work, to extend, embed and combine language skills, with a focus on correct pronunciation.  French is used in daily routines, for example, through answering the register and displaying the French date and weather within the classroom.

We aspire to ensure that SEND and disadvantaged children are given the necessary support in class to fully access the learning of French and embrace the culture in French speaking countries.

Each year revisits and develops previous learning to build on long term memory. Monitoring is done through lesson observations and book scrutinies to ensure that this is taking place.

Impact

Through our French curriculum, we aim to develop an enthusiastic and positive attitude to learning a language and to develop life-long language learners, in order to enhance their understanding of the wider world and have the ability to communicate with citizens from a range of global communities.

two pupils wokring together ona. tablet doing Scratch at horton kirby primary school

Modern Foreign Language in Each Stage

In years 3 and 4, pupils will listen to the spoken French language and will show understanding by joining in and responding. Throughout the terms, pupils will be able to speak in sentences, use familiar vocabulary, and appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language.

Click the link below to view our year 3 and year 4 long-term plans:

Progression of Skills for Year 3 and Year 4

pupils of horton kirby primary school playing a game to match french colours

In Years 5 and 6, pupils will be able to write phrases from memory and adapt these to create new sentences to express ideas clearly. Pupils will be able t take part in simple conversations and can express simple opinions.

Click the link below to view our year 5 and year 6 long-term plans:

Progression of Skills for Year 5 and Year 6

KS2 pupils matching pairs in french lesson at horton kirby primary school

Modern Foreign Language Progression

At Horton Kirby, we develop our pupil’s MFL understanding through essential skills; growing their depth of knowledge year on year. Through the use of ‘end of year expectations’, we are able to monitor their progress and allocate extra support and adaptations to the curriculum for pupils to maintain a strong French education.

SEND Information

We aspire to ensure that SEND and disadvantaged children are given the necessary support in class to fully access the learning of French and embrace the culture in French-speaking countries.

Modern Foreign Language Extra Resources

For remote learning, please visit our remote learning page or contact our Head of MFL for more information.