Boynton Primary School

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

For progression in skills and knowledge, please follow the 'Progression' tab.

Intent

At Boynton, children are taught to develop an interest in learning another language in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. Our MFL curriculum is designed to progressively develop children's skills in languages through regular taught lessons which build confidence and promote the skill of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

National Curriculum objectives and age-related expectations are followed to ensure that pupils engage with the language and become competent linguists. Objectives include using the correct pronunciation, intonation and grammar. 

We strive to embed the necessary skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing to enable children to use ad apply their French learning in a variety of contexts and lay the foundations for future language learning. Children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries whilst building curiosity about the language studied.

It is our intention to ensure that by the end of our children's primary education, they have acquired an understanding of both spoken and written French, confidence to speak in French with others and know how important other languages can be in their future.

Implementation

The implementation of French teaching at Boynton Primary is organised by a clear programme of work which is in line with the National Curriculum and includes challenges for children working above age related expectations.

KS1: Whilst French/Modern Foreign Language Study is  not statutory before Key Stage Two, we feel that by beginning the process of learning French in EYFS and Key Stage One, we will achieve several objectives:

• Give a good grounding in the knowledge that will prepare them for Key Stage Two Study
• Encourage a deeper respect and understanding of other cultures in support of our school values.
• Support the children's listening and appreciation of different phonic sounds and languages spoken.
• Learn about some of the similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries

The learning of French in KS1 is supported in other areas, for example:

Geography - locational knowledge

Science - food categories, healthy eating, parts of the body

PSHE - understand some ways in which people are different and accept this is ok

RSE - understand that in other families, either in school or in the wider world, may sometimes look different from their family, but that they should respect their differences.

KS2: In Key Stage Two, French is taught weekly in Years 3-6 and is supported by the Sue Cave 'French Phonics' scheme of work which encourages children to develop their speaking and listening skills in every lesson through conversational work, songs, rhymes and stories. Additionally, children progressively acquire. use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics and as knowledge and confidence grows, children record their work through pictures and written work. 

A wide range of texts will be used to highlight familiar and unfamiliar sounds whilst increasing the fluency of readers, and opportunities are taken to supplement these lessons by using French at other times during the school day, for example when greeting children, taking the register, giving instructions and playing games.

We are very proud to continue our pen-pal programme with College Jean Aviotte in Gironde, France, which gives our pupils an opportunity to practice their own language skills while they develop a deeper understanding of the French culture that they might not otherwise learn from reading in a book. The children in Class 3 communicate through postcards, letters, cards, photos and videos, and we try to make these pen-pal relationships as meaningful and individualised as possible by encouraging them to talk about their interests, pets, hobbies and holidays.

How to help at home

Here are some suggestions for ways you can help your child:

• Take your child to a museum - France has produced some of the most talented artists, such as Monet and Renoir. Check your local museum's schedule to see when it is featuring a French-inspired exhibition and bring your child along. The admission for children is typically free.

• Celebrate French holidays - Celebrating important French holidays such as Bastille Day, will teach your child about French history. Celebrate by making some fun crafts or taking part in holiday traditions.

• Cook a French meal - Familiarise your child with French cuisine by having them help you whip up a traditional French food, such as croissants, baguettes, crepes or ratatouille! 

• Watch a French movie - Fire up Netflix and host a French movie night with your family. Here are some children friendly French movie suggestions for you to enjoy; 'A Monster in Paris', 'The Red Balloon', 'Tintin' or 'Asterix'.

• Listen to French music - Download some French songs from Spotify or Apple Music to listen to while at home or on the road. Listening to French music will help familiarise your child with French accents and pronunciations.

• Colouring Books and Puzzles - Download or print French crosswords, word searches or memory games or spark your child's creativity with colouring. Your child will be having fun playing while also learning French vocabulary words and simple sentences.

• Read French books - There are lots of French beginner books such as 'Le Petit Prince', one of the most well-known French children's books.