‘Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. 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
French is taught in Key Stage 2, during PPA time, by a qualified MFL teacher. The Scheme of Work and delivery of lessons are founded on the following principles:
- Every child succeeds
- Build on what the learners already know
- Make learning vivid and real
- Make learning an enjoyable and challenging experience
At Chorlton Park we believe that all children have a right to a good quality education (Art. 28 UNICEF Charter) and should have an opportunity to access the curriculum of their year group so they can enjoy learning a foreign language. We adapt our curriculum and pedagogy to meet the needs of all of our children, particularly those of children with SEND and our EAL learners.
The provision for each class is carefully planned to ensure that lessons build on learning in other curriculum areas, especially the work pupils do in English, History and Geography. This approach helps pupils to tie their learning together, make cross-curricular links and build on their knowledge in each subject. Our language lessons also make explicit links to how pupils learn throughout school, with an emphasis on metacognitive strategies and formative assessment, both of which help pupils become independent and resilient learners.
Lessons across the board are dynamic. The use of games, music, art and videos helps pupils to access their work, and creates a fun and energetic culture in the classroom. We give greater weight to speaking and listening activities so as to build pupils’ confidence when speaking in front of peers and develop their interpersonal skills. In writing pupils are encouraged to express their opinions on topics such as sports, music and future plans.
Aside from learning the nuts and bolts of another language, we also strive to develop pupils’ intercultural understanding. Throughout each year group, we learn about different customs, celebrations and ways of living. Highlights of these lessons include our World Food series in Year 5 (fun albeit messy) and in Year 6 we study French speaking countries in Africa through music and film. Learning a language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others and fostering respect for those who speak languages other than English. Many of our children have considerable skills in a number of world languages. We believe that study of languages is important in our diverse, multilingual school community, and prepares our children for life as citizens of the world.