Modern Foreign Languages

MFL

Our teaching of modern foreign languages (MFL) provides a balance of spoken and written language and lays the foundations for further foreign language teaching at Key Stage 3. French is our specifically taught MFL as this is taught at our feeder secondary schools.   

 At Nene and Ramnoth School we believe that the learning of a foreign language
provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for children. They develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning. They develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between the foreign language (French, in our case) and English. Learning another language raises awareness of our multi-lingual and multi-cultural world and introduces an international dimension to pupils’ learning, giving them an insight into their own culture and that of others. The learning of a foreign language provides a medium for cross-curricular links and for reinforcement of knowledge, skills and understanding developed in other subjects.

We teach the children to:

1. listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding

1. explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words

1. engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help

1. speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures

1. develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases

1. present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences
2. read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
3. appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language
4. broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary

1. write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly

1. describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing 
2. understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English.

The Modern Foreign Language Curriculum

We use the 'Languages Angels' website to support our teaching of French. We use a variety of techniques to encourage the children to have an active engagement with the MFL, these include games, role-play and action songs. We emphasise listening, responding and speaking skills with the addition of simple reading and writing skills. We make lessons as enjoyable and interactive as possible so that the children develop a positive attitude to the learning of Modern Foreign Languages. We build the children’s confidence through praise for any contribution they make, however tentative.

We follow a scheme of work that enables the pupils to progress in each aspect of their language learning (speaking, listening, reading and writing).

Assessment and Monitoring

We assess the different strands of language learning each half-term through a variety of activities. 

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

At Nene and Ramnoth School our children and families speak over 20 different languages.  We have EAL Ambassadors chosen from our school community and these Ambassadors support children in all year groups to understand school routines and expectations as well as to welcome new children into our school.
They can also be asked to help children access specific elements of the curriculum if needed.

The local Rosmini Community Centre works closely with us to provide monthly workshops for our families in different languages and provide translating support for parents to access.