Modern Foreign Language Policy

Policy Statement

Aims

Teaching Modern Foreign Languages

Time Allocation

Lesson Structure

Planning

Equal Opportunities

Resources

Assessment

Record Keeping

Policy Statement

By learning a modern foreign language, the speaker has the opportunity to be an active participant in a culture and a society in addition to those of their birth. Furthermore, knowledge of a modern foreign language enriches the condition of what it is to be a modern European citizen. Back to top

Aims

To develop children's confidence, interest and enthusiasm towards learning French.
To develop children's oral and written skills in a modern foreign language
To develop children's intercultural understanding
To develop children's knowledge about language
To provide children with a variety of language learning strategies. Back to top

Teaching Modern Foreign Languages

Modern foreign languages are taught carefully and systematically using a variety of methods and resources to enable children to speak and listen with confidence, accuracy, understanding and enjoyment.

Some of the teaching methods used are listed below. Please note that this is not exhaustive.

Role Play
Individual/paired/group learning
Using picture cues
Picture books
Sequencing
Prediction
Songs
Audio and visual recordings
ICT and multimedia programmes
Newspapers/magazines/advertisements
Comprehension
Reading for information Back to top

Time Allocation

Modern foreign language studies will commence as pupils progress to Year 3. Lessons will be no less than 45 minutes per week. Younger children may be provided with the opportunity to learn about modern foreign languages. Back to top

Lesson Structure

Modern foreign languages will be taught in 45 minute blocks per week. These lessons will follow KS2 Framework for Languages. Opportunities for exploring language are provided through a range of aural and oral stimuli and a range of contemporary texts.

Children will have access to differentiated work according to ability. Back to top

Planning

Medium term planning will be guided by the Primary Modern Foreign Language QCA document and Early Start Languages. Short term plans will be recorded on the weekly planning sheet. Work is differentiated according to need. Evaluation is used on a weekly basis to plan future work. Back to top

Equal Opportunities

Teachers recognise the range of language and experiences that children bring to school. In order to promote confidence and self-esteem, these differences are valued and drawn upon in a positive and constructive way. Teachers also acknowledge the different interests and motivation of boys and girls and strive to provide resources and activities to promote interest and an appropriate level of interest.

Where it is deemed impracticable, such as in the case of the profoundly deaf or children with severe SEN, they may be withdrawn from the French curriculum to pursue alternative course of studies. Back to top

Resources

It is expected that children will be exposed to a variety of modern foreign language stimuli in their environment. In each class there is a developing library of French texts and reference books. There is a range of modern foreign language resources for teachers stored centrally with the modern foreign language co-ordinator.

There is a range of ICT software available in school to which the children have regular access. Back to top

Assessment

Throughout each term there will be ongoing assessment of vocabulary, grammatical and oral and aural capabilities using a range of assessment techniques.

At the end of the summer term there will be a short formal assessment based on suggested QCA guide. Back to top

Record Keeping

Where appropriate a record will be kept of sight vocabulary and awareness of pronunciation. Back to top