Learning a different language is learning a different vision of life

 

 

Intent

At Burton Pidsea Primary School, we recognise the importance of learning an additional language as part of a broad and ambitious curriculum. We aim to provide a high-quality Modern Foreign Languages education that develops pupils’ curiosity about the wider world and fosters an appreciation of different cultures and ways of life.

Our intention is to equip children with the knowledge, vocabulary and communication skills needed to understand and respond in another language with increasing confidence. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, alongside an understanding of basic grammatical structures.

Learning a foreign language supports the development of critical thinking, memory and creativity. It encourages pupils to take risks, build resilience and communicate effectively. Through their study of language and culture, children gain a deeper understanding of diversity and global interconnectedness.

By the time they leave our school, pupils will have secure foundations in language learning and the confidence to continue their studies at the next stage of their education, developing as informed and open-minded global citizens.

Implementation

Our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum is delivered using Kapow Primary mixed-age planning from Year 3 onwards. The scheme ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum and provides clear progression in language knowledge and skills across Key Stage 2. The mixed-age structure is carefully sequenced so that pupils build on prior learning while developing increasing confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Lessons are designed to develop practical communication skills alongside an understanding of grammar and vocabulary. Pupils learn to listen attentively, engage in conversations, speak in sentences, read carefully and write phrases and short texts from memory. Key vocabulary and grammatical structures are revisited and built upon to support long-term retention.

Language learning is interactive and engaging, with opportunities for repetition, practice and performance to build fluency and confidence. Pupils are encouraged to develop accurate pronunciation and intonation, while also gaining an appreciation of the culture and traditions of the countries where the language is spoken.

Modern Foreign Languages is taught as a discrete subject, with meaningful links made to other areas of the curriculum where appropriate. Through our MFL curriculum, children develop curiosity about the wider world and an understanding of different cultures, preparing them for further language study at secondary school and beyond.

 

Impact

By the end of their time at Burton Pidsea Primary School, pupils will have developed confidence and proficiency in the knowledge and understanding of a modern foreign language. They will be able to listen attentively, speak with increasing accuracy, read and understand familiar words and phrases, and write simple sentences using appropriate vocabulary and basic grammatical structures.

Children will develop an appreciation of different cultures and traditions, recognising the value of learning another language as a way to communicate and connect with others around the world. They will show curiosity, enthusiasm and resilience in their language learning.

Through the progressive structure of the Kapow Primary scheme, pupils build secure foundations that prepare them for continued language study at the next stage of their education.

French Long Term Plan and Progression of Skills

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