Modern Foreign Languages
Intent:
‘A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.’ (National Curriculum 2014 – Appendix A)
At The Hill Primary School, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality languages education that fosters pupils' curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world. Our intent is to create a learning environment that encourages and inspires children to develop a genuine interest in learning new languages and to appreciate and respect different cultures. We believe that through the acquisition of French, our pupils will not only gain language skills but also develop transferable skills that will enable them to confidently and successfully learn other foreign languages later in life. One important aim of our school is to prepare our pupils for the Key Stage 3 language curriculum, which involves equipping them with the necessary linguistic and cultural knowledge and skills to excel in their future language studies.
Implementation:
We teach French throughout Key Stage 2, using the "Language Angels" scheme of work to support our teaching and learning. This scheme offers clear progression for developing speaking and listening skills, as well as acquiring vocabulary. Moreover, it provides resources to enhance teaching and learning opportunities for our pupils. To actively engage children with French, we employ various techniques, including:
- Games: These activities facilitate vocabulary development through repetition and enhance reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
- Role-play: We ensure that role-plays are connected to situations children may encounter in the future.
- Action songs and rhymes: These activities foster phonetic skills, memory retention, and expand vocabulary.
- Reading and writing high-quality materials.
- We boost children's confidence by praising any contribution they make in the foreign language, no matter how tentative.
Our teaching is based on the 2014 National Curriculum, which is delivered through the Language Angels program. We have tailored this curriculum to suit the specific context of our school. By doing so, we provide teachers with clear progression grids and teaching content.
Impact:
Through the high-quality provision of French language instruction, the impact on our students will be substantial and tangible. They will:
1. Gain Language Awareness: Students will develop an understanding that languages have a structure and that this structure varies across different languages. They will become skilled in recognizing and utilizing the unique characteristics of the French language, thus enhancing their overall language learning capabilities.
2. Enhance Language and Communication: Through the development of the four key skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, students will improve their language and communication abilities. They will become confident and competent in expressing themselves in French, both orally and in writing.
3. Cultivate Curiosity and Respect: In line with The Hill Primary School's values, our students will develop a curiosity for learning new languages, fostering a desire to explore and engage with other cultures beyond French. Additionally, they will develop a deeper respect for other cultures, recognizing the value and diversity of languages and cultural expressions.
4. Effective Transition to Key Stage 3: Students will seamlessly transfer their language skills to Key Stage 3 and be well-prepared to continue and develop their language learning. Their foundation in French will enable them to confidently approach more advanced language topics and linguistic challenges.
For more information about our curriculum please contact the office on admin@hill.reading.sch.uk
