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    • MFL

    Aims

     

    At Stivichall Primary School, we believe that learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) is not only an academic pursuit but a vital life skill reflecting our school motto that ‘Learning at Stivichall is a passport for life.’ Through the teaching of languages, we aim to foster curiosity, resilience and a deeper understanding of the world. Our goal is to equip pupils with the foundational skills needed to communicate in another language while also developing cultural awareness, respect for diversity and a lifelong love of language learning. We recognise that these attributes contribute significantly to pupils' personal development and future opportunities both socially and academically.

     

    Curriculum

     

    Our MFL curriculum focuses on the teaching of French throughout Key Stage Two ensuring consistency and depth as pupils build on their skills each year. French has been carefully selected in line with the languages taught at our local secondary schools, supporting a smooth transition to Year 7. The MFL curriculum is supported by Primary Languages Network resources, including high-quality video content featuring native speakers. These resources provide children with accurate pronunciation models and exposure to authentic language in context.

     

    The curriculum is structured around the three key pillars of phonics, grammar, and vocabulary, which underpin the four core language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Lessons are planned in progressive half-termly units from Year 3 to Year 5 with clear links to our Oracy curriculum to enhance verbal confidence and communication skills. Regular retrieval practice and progress pauses are built into lessons to help pupils consolidate knowledge and commit vocabulary to long-term memory. Each unit concludes with an assessment task that allows pupils to demonstrate their progress across all four language skills.

     

    In Year 6, children are offered the opportunity to study Japanese taught weekly by a native speaker. This broadens their linguistic experiences and introduces them to a non-European language, further enriching their cultural understanding. We provide a range of enrichment opportunities to extend language learning outside the classroom. Pupils engage in Japanese-inspired workshops, including experiences such as a traditional Tea Ceremony and a Sushi Masterclass, giving them hands-on insight into Japanese culture. These sessions support our wider commitment to Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) and provide meaningful cross-curricular links with art, food technology and geography.

     

    Our MFL provision aligns closely with our school pledge which encourages children to explore diverse cultures, try new experiences and develop the confidence to engage with the world beyond their local community. Through language learning, we not only teach pupils how to communicate, we teach them how to connect.

     

    Outcomes

    By the end of Key Stage Two, pupils have developed a strong foundation in French, including accurate pronunciation, essential vocabulary and grammatical structures. They can engage in simple conversations, respond to spoken and written prompts and write basic sentences. More importantly, they have gained confidence in their language-learning abilities and have developed a positive, open-minded attitude toward other cultures.

     

    Our MFL curriculum helps children to grow in resilience as they practise new sounds and structures and it nurtures respect through learning about global diversity. These outcomes contribute to pupils’ broader personal development and prepare them for future language learning in secondary education and beyond.

     

    Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom

     

    Families are encouraged to support language learning at home. These home learning opportunities reinforce language skills, develop curiosity and extend pupils' cultural horizons.

     

    • Practise simple greetings
    • Exploring the culture of French or Japanesespeaking countries together.
    • Listen to songs in another language
    • Listen to traditional music from another country
    • Make a recipe from another culture
    • Label everyday objects around the house in a target language
    • Play language games to practise vocabulary e.g. I spy
    • Celebrate cultural events or holidays
    • Watch videos or apps that demonstrate accurate pronunciation and repeat
    • Encourage your child to teach a family member a new word or phrase