MFL

Intent

At Pear Tree, pupils learn to speak French through the Modern Foreign Language (MFL) primary curriculum. Our aim is to cultivate a passion for language learning while equipping children with essential communication skills. By the end of their primary education, students should be able to engage in basic conversations, demonstrate an understanding of key vocabulary and grammar, and appreciate the cultural contexts of the language studied.

The curriculum aims to foster linguistic competence and confidence, enabling children to express themselves in a foreign language. It is designed to promote cognitive development through the acquisition of a new language, enhancing problem-solving skills and creativity. Additionally, the curriculum seeks to develop cultural capital by exposing students to diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives associated with the language, thereby enriching their global awareness and empathy.

Inclusion is a fundamental aspect of the MFL curriculum, ensuring that all learners have equal access to language learning opportunities. Adaptive teaching will be employed to cater to varied learning styles and needs, fostering an environment where every child can thrive.

Ultimately, the MFL primary curriculum aspires to prepare students not only for further language study but also for active participation in a multicultural society, promoting lifelong learning and appreciation for linguistic diversity.

Implementation

Pear Tree Primary School uses the Primary Languages Network scheme of work and resources to ensure that we offer a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious foreign languages curriculum that will inspire and engage our pupils through a wide range of topics and themes. The curriculum is designed to provide all pupils with access to high-quality French teaching that is carefully sequenced and appropriately challenging.

The four key language learning skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are taught explicitly across Key Stage Two. Grammar is also taught in an age-appropriate manner, with careful attention to progression and consolidation. Lessons are planned so that pupils are able to build their knowledge securely over time, revisiting prior learning and applying new vocabulary and structures with increasing confidence.

All classes have access to a very high-quality foreign languages curriculum through the Primary Languages Network scheme of work and resources. Weekly lessons are taught by staff and are planned to support steady progress in French. This approach ensures consistency across the key stage and enables pupils to develop their language skills in a structured and systematic way.