Intent  

At North Petherton Primary School we foster the love for foreign languages as a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils. This subject also provides a medium for cross-curricular links and for reinforcement of knowledge, skills and understanding developed in other subjects.  

We believe that: 

• MFL is a fun subject that children should be given the opportunity to enjoy as early as possible in their education, when they are young enough not to be self-conscious about speaking aloud. 
• The earlier a child is exposed to a foreign language, the better the language in question is acquired. 
• The early reflection on another language helps children understand the mechanics of their own language better. 
• The early acquisition of a foreign language facilitates the learning of other foreign languages later in life. 
• Becoming familiar with another language helps children understand, respect and appreciate differences in our multi-cultural world. 

Implementation 

As the MFL Subject leader is a French national and our town is twinned with Céaucé in Normandy, our chosen foreign language for the whole school is French. There are occasional opportunities to explore other languages depending on our EAL intake and on staff competence, and whilst learning stories (English), songs (Music) or religious practices (R.E.). An introduction to Spanish may be offered to Year 6 in the Summer Term in order to help with the transition to Secondary School. 

Lessons are enjoyable and non-threatening with success built in at every level, in order that the children develop a positive attitude towards the learning of a foreign language. Positive reinforcement for any contribution made helps the children develop their confidence and self-esteem. 

We use a variety of techniques to encourage the children to be fully engaged with their learning: these include songs (especially action songs), stories, games and role-plays. We use a multi-sensory and kinaesthetic approach to teaching as we believe that this serves to reinforce memory. The vocabulary is usually introduced with either flashcards (digital or hard copies) or authentic material and we also frequently use mime and/or STC to accompany new vocabulary, as those techniques serve to demonstrate the foreign language without any need for translation. We have also invested in a lifetime subscription to the “CGP Salut!” programme for KS2 which introduces age-appropriate vocabulary in themes and offers opportunities to play with the language on the Interactive White Board. 

Cross-curricular links are made whenever appropriate as this generates an understanding of the meaningfulness of the subject. 

We emphasise the listening and speaking skills at this early stage, but the reflection on spelling patterns and grammar rules and how they compare with the English language is an important part of the teaching and learning in KS2. In line with the New National Curriculum for MFL, early reading practice and simple writing tasks are introduced towards the end of each learning sequence. 

Impact 

• Children experience another language in a fun, enjoyable and meaningful way where everyone can have a go, which develops their confidence. 
• They are aware that languages other than English exist in our world. 
• They are curious about languages and how they work; they become aware that language has structure and that this structure differs from one language to another. 
• Their understanding of aspects of English is increased by making links and comparisons with another language. 
• They understand that speaking more than one language is an everyday life skill as they are encouraged to use simple vocabulary and phrases in a variety of contexts in the normal school day. 
• They develop their speaking and listening skills. 
• They develop positive attitudes to other languages and cultures, including communicating with members of our twin town community. 
• They are provided with foundations for future study.