Languages

Curriculum Intent

At Oulton, our aim is to provide a high quality education in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) for all of our children. This will foster a love of languages and will give access to the richness and diversity of a variety of cultures at a level which could not be experienced otherwise.

Our expectation is that all children at Oulton will be able to express their ideas and thoughts (at an age-appropriate level) in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. Our curriculum will provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes,  and read authentic literature in the original language. Our language teaching will provide the foundation for learning further languages. It is intended that when children leave Oulton, they will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore other countries, cultures and languages, aware 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 their next school.

We follow the 2014 National Curriculum for Languages.

French is taught weekly in KS2 by a subject specialist. We take a topic-based approach through which phonics, vocabulary and grammar are taught explicitly. Topics covered include Myself, Numbers, Food, Pets and Celebrations in Francophone countries. Vocabulary is displayed in class to support children’s language learning. Breadth and progression are ensured by the planned use of vocabulary in increasingly complex sentences and in a variety of situations.

The language learning strategies taught enable children to make links with other languages and provide them with a basic understanding of some of the structures underpinning Romance languages.

The enjoyment of languages is encouraged by the use of songs and games, as well as authentic texts and video clips appropriate for the level of the children’s learning. We have a large stock of French books and dictionaries for the children to use. We also celebrate European Day of Languages in September.

Our pupils show very positive attitudes towards French and other languages encountered during their time in school. They enjoy engaging in conversation in French and are curious about other languages. Pupils ask and answer questions and express their opinions in French confidently and are adventurous learners, using resources independently to express themselves. They move on at the end of Y4 ready to access the next stage of their learning in languages.