MFL

Intent

At Shortlanesend School we believe strongly that exposure and the opportunity to acquire knowledge of languages other than our own is not only a key component of a broad and deep curriculum, but an important life skill.

The skills, knowledge and understanding our children gain through learning a new language make a major contribution to the development of children’s oracy and literacy. It also furthers their understanding of their own culture as well as the culture of others.

Our language teaching aims to provide opportunities for all our children to:

• Have fun
• Foster curiosity in learning other languages
• Understand that language has a structure, and that the structure differs from one language to another
• Develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries
• Develop their speaking and listening skills
• Become confident in speaking and writing in different languages

Implementation

Children start their exposure to languages in EYFS where greetings in a range of languages are taught, often linked to the termly topic. 

This exposure is increased through Key Stage 1 with the introduction of basic vocabulary learning in French. More formal teaching of French continues through Key Stage Two. Teachers employ a variety of language teaching methods to match groups and individuals with different learning styles, these include games, role-play, use of a range of media and songs.

Like all areas of the curriculum, teachers strive to ensure lessons are made as entertaining and enjoyable as possible, as we realise that this approach serves to develop a positive attitude in the children to the learning of modern foreign languages. Our ethos is:

Smile - Learn - Excel

At Shortlanesend School, there is a clear progression of skills and understanding that builds through Key Stage based on the National Curriculum Programme of Study. Planning takes account of prior learning and develops exposure and confidence. At each stage, teachers refer to prior learning and carry out informal assessment of children’s stage of development before moving on.