Modern Foreign Languages
Lower Key Stage 2 Christmas performance
The children in Lower Key Stage 2 have performed their 'Christmas Around the World' production. Within the production, they have learnt traditional Christmas carols in English and other Modern Foreign languages such as Silent Night in German and Jingle Bells in French.
Year 6 explore the culture and geography of France, in particular comparing how Christmas is celebrated in England to how it is celebrated in France. Children are able to add more detail to their writing, using their prior knowledge. For example, children had to write sentences describing the features of themselves and their personalities. Children enjoy playing games, in particular travelling around the room translating sentences which describe personalities or physical features and translating English sentences to French sentences.
In year 5 children are able to say what hobbies and interests they have in French. They begin to look at currency and school routines. Children are able to add detail to their work such as the food they dis/like and why they dis/like that particular food.
Year 4 apply their previous knowledge from year 3 to a variety of activities. This includes learning how to say and write countries in French and using their colour knowledge to colour in the country's flag. The children learn how to read and say stationary items they may use at school such as regle (ruler) and stylo (pen). Lessons can be taught a variety of ways and in this instance the children learnt a stationary song.
In year 3 children start French with Monsieur Tinjod. They learn greetings, how to count up to 30 and colours. Children watch videos and answer questions to demonstrate their listening and reading skills as well as their understanding of the new language. Recently, we have been practising the days of the week and months of the year. We have also learnt the french names for pets.
In year 2, children have been learning how to say different types of fruit in Spanish. They have sampled a variety of fruits including manzana (apple), sandia (melon) and pomelo (grapefruit). The children said whether it was 'Me gusta' or 'Non me gusta'.
The purpose of studying French, as a foreign language at St George’s CE Academy is firstly to open students to other cultures and countries of the French speaking world. As students deepen their understanding of the world they are able to express ideas and thoughts in another language and reciprocally can respond to speakers from these countries both orally and in writing. Pupils’ knowledge and understanding will be developed to communicate for practical purposes and will leave Year 6, equipped for further language learning and for study or work in another country.
Mr Norbert Tinjod, our specialist French Teacher, works alongside our KS2 teachers in delivering our curriculum.
Our aims
Using the national curriculum for languages, we will ensure pupils:
• Understand and respond to spoken and written languages from a variety of authentic sources (videos from French schools, the internet, Language learning methods, French magazines, comic strips and films)
• Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussions and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation (see half-termly video evidence for AT1-Listening/AT2-Speaking).
• Can write at varying length (AT4-Writing, from word level(1), sentence level(2), paragraph level(3) ), for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures they have learnt and knowing how to redraft to show improvement or excellence.
Subject content
What we have included in our provisions for Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6 enables students to make substantial progress in French and it also provides an appropriate balance of spoken and written language; balance which takes into account the cultural dimension (French speaking countries and their history/customs/geographical features) of language learning and the rules which apply to all language learning (Language Learning Skills).
Finally, whenever possible, links are made to other subjects ranging from Geography, World History and, of course, Literacy, Grammar and Numeracy. By the end of Year 6, students will have laid solid foundations for further foreign language learning at key stage 3 as they will know not only how to use their knowledge of phonology, grammatical structures and vocabulary but also use their interdependent language learning skills.
Over the four years, pupils will be taught to :
• Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
• Explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
• Engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help from one another
• Speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures
• Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words, phrases and questions
• Present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences Many hearts make a school
• Read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
• Appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language
• Broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary
• Write phrases and sentences from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly
• Describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing
• Understand basic grammar including feminine and masculine forms, the conjugation of high frequency verbs, key features and patterns of the language and how to apply these to their own speaking and writing
• See and reflect on the difference and the similarities of French and English
Teaching and Learning
• The teaching of French is based around a natural progression as detailed in 24 rigolo units. Learning objectives are taken from the National Curriculum and the 24 QCA units.
• Spelling, grammar and punctuation is taught explicitly throughout the years where and when most relevant.
• Teachers, leaders and assistants use a variety of teaching styles with particular emphasis on modelling and student interdependent coaching.
• Inside the class teaching strategies used include: guided writing; paired writing; paired reading; independent writing; word level and grammar activities; class/paired role plays/WIGWAMS; and all activities which promote learners’ coaching skills (writing, reading, speaking) Many hearts make a school
• Teachers ensure that writing, speaking, reading has a purpose /meaningful context. Phonics within lessons
• Each unit include specific phonemes as shown in the phonics progression map. As the class progresses students make links to other words which include the currently taught phonemes.
For a more detailed overview, please read our Statement of Intent below.
