Modern Foreign Languages
At Barton Moss, we aim to in still a lifelong love for language learning in our students, making Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) an integral part of our curriculum. We believe that introducing children to another language offers them a new perspective on the world, enriching their understanding of their own culture and those of others.
Our primary objective is for pupils to leave Barton Moss with:
- A passion for languages that inspires curiosity and encourages them to explore the diverse world around them.
- An understanding of how language works, laying a strong foundation for further language learning in Key Stage 3 (KS3) and beyond.
- Skills and confidence that enable them to see themselves as Global Citizens in a multicultural, mutually respectful society.
- In the Early Years, French is introduced informally through songs, rhymes, and stories, fostering a fun and engaging approach to language.
- In Key Stage 1 (KS1), children engage in formal language lessons weekly for 15 minutes, focusing on basic vocabulary and simple expressions.
- Throughout the year, students participate in themed events, including The National European Day of Languages, which celebrate language diversity and culture.
- In Key Stage 2 (KS2), we follow the Salford syllabus for French, developed by a team of cluster leads, which aligns with the objectives of the National Curriculum and covers various religious and moral topics.
- Pupils participate in a 30-minute weekly lesson delivered by class teachers, employing innovative teaching methods that include:
- Speaking and listening activities.
- Role-playing simple scenes.
- Using authentic materials to ensure full engagement.
- From the beginning of KS2, children begin developing their writing skills, progressing from single words to simple phrases, sentences, and eventually paragraphs.
- Lessons are organized around a half-termly theme that is repeated each year, allowing children to build cumulative skills and knowledge, ultimately helping them to know and remember more.
To ensure the effectiveness of our French curriculum, we conduct regular monitoring with the following expectations:
- Book Monitoring:
- All teaching and learning outcomes should reflect a 100% good standard or better.
- At least 50% of outcomes should be rated as outstanding, indicating that children are engaged and retaining knowledge related to the curriculum intent.
- Implementation: All book monitoring should demonstrate that the theory and intent of the curriculum are being executed as planned by the subject leader.
- Assessment Documentation: All books will show assessment stages through self-assessment sheets at the end of each term.
- Expected Attainment:
- By the end of Years 3 and 4, at least 70% of children should be age-related, with 15% achieving above expectations.
- By the end of Years 5 and 6, at least 75% should be age-related, with 15% achieving above.
- Book looks and pupil voice assessments will enable staff to identify children in EYFS who are engaged in French both within and outside school, promoting a holistic approach to language learning.
Through our comprehensive MFL curriculum, we strive to foster a love of languages and equip our students with the skills necessary to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world.