Modern Foreign Languages
At Lambs Lane, we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a vital educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. Learning a modern foreign language is vital to becoming a global citizen, as it helps the learner to appreciate the language, culture and people of another country; appreciating their similarities and differences. Furthermore, it helps pupils to develop the oracy skills that we as a school see as invaluable. We teach French as a modern foreign language but also expose them to simple words and phrases from other languages too.
Specifically, the aims and objectives of our MFL curriculum include:
- Encourage the children to listen attentively and respond to a spoken language
- Stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language and foster creativity in experimenting with it
- Support oracy by developing speaking and listening skills
- Help children develop awareness of cultural similarities and differences and to provide a vehicle for multi-cultural understanding
- Engage children in conversations in a new language – ask/ answer questions and express opinions/ respond to those of others
- Encourage children to express simple phrases, thoughts and opinions in a written format.
The teaching of French begins in Key Stage 1 where they are taught how to count and use simple words and phrases. It is then built on further throughout the Key stage 2 curriculum. Every child is taught French for at least 30 minutes each week, using a variety of approaches:
- Songs
- Oracy projects
- Study of patterns
- Active learning in and out of the classroom
- Written tasks
We aim to foster a problem-solving approach, giving children opportunities to work out language use for themselves in a supportive context where risk-taking and creativity are encouraged, and there is an emphasis on having fun with this new language. ICT is used where appropriate to enhance teaching and learning.
