Modern Foreign Languages

Learning a foreign language is a necessary part of being a member of a multi-cultural society and provides an opening to other cultures.

A high-quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping children to study and work in other countries.

Children have lessons in French throughout Key Stage 2, using the resources and lesson plans from the scheme Language Angels. Through these lessons, the children’s communication and listening skills develop from basic skills to learning French vocabulary and communicating with others. As the children move from Lower Key Stage 2 to Upper Key Stage 2, the language will be embedded and further developed alongside reading and writing skills. These will gradually progress onto more complex language concepts and greater learner autonomy.

It is intended that when children leave St Mary's, they will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore other countries, cultures and languages, accepting that, in a multi-lingual society it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language.  They will be engaged and prepared to continue language learning at secondary school.

 Our MFL Curriculum Overview