We encourage children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language by communicating through speaking, listening, reading and writing in French. Children have the opportunity to compare cultures and values of Britain and France. It allows then to gain an understanding and appreciation of the world around them. We take in to account the differences of religious and cultural beliefs by highlighted the different religious festivals in the target language countries.
Teaching MFL is a vital way to enhance pupil’s perceptions and to promote positive attitudes towards cultural diversity. The Scheme of Work (Salut!) is planned to take into account the differences in interests between boys and girls. We avoid gender stereotyping when organising into groups and assigning activities. All staff have full access to the Salut! as well as the clear progression in skills across the Key Stage. They are aware of the prior learning, as well as the next steps. We strive to give children a solid foundation for future foreign language learning.
At Ribbon, French is taught in whole-class, mixed ability settings by the class teacher. Lessons are planned and implemented using Schemes of Work from ‘Salut!’ where objectives and activities are designed to progressively develop children’s language skills; additionally, we use Chris Quigley milestones to monitor this progression further. All lessons are planned and designed to motivate, captivate and interest children from the first moment. This allows children to hear native speakers with accurate pronunciation, regardless of the teacher’s own fluency. Children have the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversational work, singing activities and games.
Children are encouraged to record their understanding in writing through labels, captions and sentences. Weekly lessons in KS2 are supplemented by French being revisited throughout the week through basic conversation, greetings, commands and songs. Opportunities are identified, where appropriate, to encourage basic French vocabulary and the learning of the culture, throughout Foundation lessons including Geography and History. In addition to the demands of the National Curriculum mentioned above, at Ribbon, we also provide children with a range of cultural experiences to support their understanding of life around the world. We host celebration days linked to key dates in the calendar including European Day of Languages (26th September) and Bastille Day (14th July) – activities are classroom based, whole school based and even include lunchtime menus.
Possible opportunities for exposure to a foreign language outside of the classroom include links to Secondary schools; visitors from different cultures; Google Expeditions to explore French cities are also identified throughout the year. We have a native Spanish speaker who provides extra-curricular opportunities for children to experience Spanish as an additional language.
Children record their work in a French exercise book; therefore, will have a portfolio of work by the end of the year. Children are assessed using Chris Quigley milestones, which set out clear expectations in manageable and purposeful steps. The teaching of French is part of our new 4 year vision and plan. Children will progress through the milestones and by 2023 all children will be accessing age related expectations.
In line with the school assessment calendar, the Subject Leader and Curriculum Leader will carry out termly Work Sampling, Learning Walk and Pupil Voice. Findings will be collated and priorities shared with staff. The Subject Leader is responsible to report to the directors on progress in teaching and learning.
Termly assessments will be completed by each class teacher against Chris Quigley’s ‘Essentials Curriculum’.
Assessments made will be based on work in books and practical activities (which will be recorded on Earwig). The subject leader will moderate assessment judgements each term – this will include moderating evidence uploaded to Earwig.