

Modern Foreign Languages.

At Alverton, we believe that learning another language is a crucial part of the children’s education, which allows children to build self-confidence as well as developing their communication skills. In our modern society, children now have the ability to communicate with others from around the world. We want to equip the children with the skills and confidence to be able to do this. We explain to the children the benefits and purpose of learning a language too, such as being able to communicate with others whilst on holiday abroad, or having a better understanding of different cultures. Our vision for MFL at Alverton is to encourage the children to be inquisitive about the world.

At Key Stage 1 there is no specific requirement for the teaching of MFL. However, children in KS1 at Alverton are able to access as a class online songs, rhymes and games in order to expose them to the vocabulary they will need to learn at a later age.

MFL is taught consistently and competently throughout the school. Alverton follows the North Yorkshire Scheme of Work for French, which is constantly being reviewed and updated to ensure that the curriculum is always relevant. The subject is managed so that the children enjoy the language and are able to communicate effectively. The French SoW incorporates a wide variety of interesting and fun activities that use mixed media to enhance children’s enjoyment of the subject. Alongside the development of language and communication skills, children are able to explore different aspects of French culture to really broaden their interest and curiosity.

Generally, French is taught to the whole class, with activities being completed in mixed ability groups. We encourage every child to take part in lessons and give alternative ways for children who lack confidence to respond, such as using physical actions, talking to a partner or drawing pictures and labelling them from a given word bank.

Staff throughout the school are encouraged to use specific commands and requests by speaking in French. Children have not only taken the register by greeting everyone in French and other languages (drawing on the different backgrounds and heritages of both children and staff) but have been learning how to converse by asking for their choice of lunch in French, commenting on their feelings about playtimes and chatting about the weather. This means that the children are also exposed to French grammar, allowing the more able to identify the similarities and differences between French grammar and that of English. Additionally, by listening to various instructions in French, the children are able to demonstrate that their understanding by responding appropriately.

We aim to hold a ‘French’ afternoon at least once a year, with the children participating in sampling some French cuisine, playing some traditional French games and researching and exploring aspects of French culture. C’est bon, n’est-ce-pas?



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