MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (MFL)
Learning a foreign language is a necessary part of being a member of a multi-cultural society, providing an opening to the world beyond Padstow. A high-quality languages education should foster children's curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Teaching should enable children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes and to learn new ways of thinking. At Padstow School, the main focus of language teaching will be on French.
INTENT
To build a curriculum where the children of Padstow School develop a natural curiosity and confidence that will enable them to explore other countries, cultures and languages. To accept that, in a multi-lingual society, it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language. To transition into the next stage of their learning journey, engaged and prepared to continue language learning.
Implementation
At Padstow School, French lessons are sequenced so that prior learning is considered and opportunities for revision of language and grammar are built in. Like all areas of the curriculum, teachers strive to ensure lessons are made as entertaining and enjoyable as possible, as we realise that this approach serves to develop a positive attitude in the children to learning French.
Our lessons and the resources we use help children to build on prior knowledge alongside the introduction of new skills. Teachers employ a variety of language teaching methods to match groups and individuals with different learning styles, these include games, role-play, use of a range of media and songs.
A series of lessons are taught, providing structure and context as well as offering an insight into the culture of French-speaking countries and communities. The introduction and revision of key vocabulary and grammatical structures is built into each lesson.
At Padstow, there is a clear progression of skills and understanding that builds through Key Stage 2 based on the National Curriculum Programme of Study.
