A member of Dales Academies Trust 
Subject leader: Mrs Wass
‘Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’
Matthew 13 vs.31-32
Our entire curriculum, including Modern Foreign Languages, is underpinned by the ‘Parable of the Mustard Seed’ and summarised by our motto:
Together may we give our children: roots to grow and wings to fly.
Intent
The introduction of a foreign language to children of a young age enables them to experience something of the joy of another culture and language at a time when they are most receptive and responsive.
Implementation
French is taught as a half termly block at the start of each term through enthusiastic teaching which creates a very positive learning environment from Year 3 to Year 6. We work hard to achieve continuity throughout the school.
In Years 3 and 4 there is specific emphasis upon speaking French using games and songs, whilst still encouraging the children to read and write single words and phrases, and draw pictures of new vocabulary. This serves to boost enjoyment and encourage the pupils to correctly imitate the sounds of the language.
As the pupils move into Years 5 and 6 the emphasis remains on the oral and aural skills but these are supplemented by reading and writing. Simple grammatical concepts are introduced and the children focus on the learning of longer phrases and conversations
It is expected that teaching methodology will vary in order to be effective for each of the children. This will mean catering for visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles as well as creating a positive, challenging and rewarding environment.
Our school has an inclusive approach to teaching Modern Foreign Languages for all those with SEND. Children with SEND are always encouraged to take part in the entire lesson receiving targeted support when needed from their class teacher. In certain cases, teachers may need to use this targeted support to work 1-1; for example by repeating new vocabulary or songs again at a slower pace, or displaying the new French vocabulary visually when there is a listening task. With this inclusive approach, we aim to see all our learners finding great enjoyment and success when learning French.
Impact
We hope that children will develop a love and deeper interest in cultures and languages in other parts of the world that they can explore further in their secondary education.
Additional Information
For more information regarding our MFL curriculum (including our curriculum map and key procedures), please click on the ‘Useful Documents’ links below.
Similarly, under ‘Useful Links’, you can find supplementary resources and other useful websites.
Useful Documents
Useful Links
