Subject Leaders: Mrs K Abualzulof and Mrs C Sandiford

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela

What is a Modern Foreign Language (MFL)?

MFL is an abbreviated form for Modern Foreign Languages. MFL encompass all languages, aside from English, which are spoken and used in different countries around the world.

Our definition for KS2 – MFL enables us to express us ideas and thoughts in another language, and to understand and respond to its speakers.

Our definition for Foundation and KS1 – MFL help us understand how diverse and beautiful our world is.

At North Somercotes CE Primary School we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils. Pupils 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 and English. Learning another language raises awareness of the multi-lingual and multi-cultural world and introduces an international dimension to pupils’ learning, giving them an insight into their own culture and those 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.

A curriculum based upon children linguistically learning about the broader world, developing a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a second language offers the children the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, by developing a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of themselves, others and cultural differences. Increased capability in the use of languages promotes initiative and independent learning and encourages diversity within society.

The study of MFL teaches children to express themselves in new ways. This will develop their immediate sense of belonging to the wider world and will start to prepare them for future opportunities in modern life, enabling them to become life-long learners.

At North Somercotes CE Primacy School we do this by learning the language: Spanish.

Intention

At North Somercotes CE Primary we use the Language Angels scheme of work and resources to ensure we offer a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious foreign languages curriculum that will inspire and excite our pupils using a wide variety of topics and themes. All pupils will be expected to achieve their full potential by encouraging high expectations and excellent standards in their foreign language learning - the ultimate aim being that pupils will feel willing and able to continue studying languages beyond key stage 2.

The intent is that all content will be continuously updated and reviewed annually, creating a dynamic programme of study that will be clearly outlined in both long-term and short-term planning. This will ensure that the foreign language knowledge of our pupils progresses within each academic year and is extended year upon year throughout the primary phase and, in so doing, will always be relevant and in line with meeting or exceeding national DfE requirements. 

The four key language learning skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing will be taught and all necessary grammar will be covered in an age-appropriate way across the primary phase. This will enable pupils to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning and also helping the children improve overall attainment in other subject areas. In addition, the children will be taught how to look up and research language they are unsure of and they will have a bank of reference materials to help them with their spoken and written tasks going forward. This bank of reference materials will develop into a reference library to help pupils recall and build on previous knowledge throughout their primary school language learning journey.

The intent is that all pupils will develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a second language will also offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences. Shining a light on the wondrous nature of language and the associated culture, our intention is that our children will be working towards becoming life-long language learners.