Languages
Intent
At Rowde, we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. Understanding of, and engagement with, other languages and cultures is a vital part of our core value of Respect. It helps our pupils develop communication skills, including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. Learning another language gives the children a new perspective on the world encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others. There is also extensive evidence to show that children who struggle with literacy often benefit from understanding the mechanics of languages. Finally, and importantly, languages are a statutory part of learning at Secondary school in Key Stage 3 and the learning of a language at Rowde is part of our focus on Year 7- readiness.
Implementation
We follow the National Curriculum for MFL and the children in KS2 progressively develop skills in French through well-planned lessons using the Language Angels Scheme of Work. We have changed to this scheme to support both pupils and teachers as they have worked with us to produce a bespoke curriculum.
Cross-curricular topics also allow French to become embedded in children’s learning. Our children learn through active participation in actions, rhymes, stories, song, grammar focus, video clips, sentence structure, dictionary work and may other creative ways to extend, embed and combine language skills.
As well as each subsequent lesson within a unit being progressive, units increase in level of challenge, stretch and linguistic and grammatical complexity. Children in Year 3 begin learning French and then their skills, knowledge and understanding progress throughout their time in KS2. The units of work contain progressively more challenging activities and lessons will have more content as the children become more confident and ambitious with the foreign language they are learning. Lessons offering appropriate levels of challenge are taught at all times to ensure children learn effectively, continuously building their knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the language they are learning.
Pupils will continuously build on their previous knowledge as they progress in their French language learning journey through the primary phase. Previous language will be recycled, revised, recalled and consolidated whenever possible and appropriate.
Impact
Children at Rowde are encouraged to understand the relevance of what they are learning in languages and how it relates to everyday life, work and travel. It is emphasised how the language could help them in another country or to talk to a French speaker, both now and in their future careers. Teachers foster an enjoyment of languages through a variety of lessons including interactive, singing and outdoor lessons. Progression through a topic should be evident in the development of key skills and acquisition of main vocabulary. Evidence is kept of children’s work in books/knowledge organisers, through recordings and photos in our floor books. French is monitored by the subject leader throughout all year groups in Key Stage 2 using a variety of strategies such as book scrutinises, lesson observations, staff discussions and pupil questionnaires. Feedback is then given to teachers at staff meetings. Subject Leadership for Languages in 2020/21 is shared among the Senior Leadership Team.
