Minterne Junior School’s Statement of Intent for MFL -  French

At Minterne Junior School, the intention is for all children to develop positive attitudes towards French and the culture of France. This interest can be encouraged by delivering engaging and enjoyable lessons which build confidence and promote listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. It is our intention to ensure that by the end of our children’s primary education, they have acquired an understanding of both spoken and written French, confidence to speak some French with others and know how important other languages can be in their future. The implementation of French teaching at Minterne Junior School is organised by a clear scheme of work which is in line with the National Curriculum and includes challenges for children working at all levels. French is taught in Years 3 – 6 and children are encouraged to develop their speaking and listening skills in every lesson through conversational work, songs and rhymes and stories.  As knowledge and confidence grows, children record their work through pictures and written work. Opportunities are taken to supplement these lessons by using French at other times during the school day, for example when greeting children and taking the register.

How French is monitored:

French is monitored by the subject leader throughout all year groups using a number of strategies including looking at books, pupil voice and discussions with staff.

Progression Within the French curriculum:

It is our intention that children are able to speak a number of phrases increasingly confidently and clearly as they progress through the school and can read and write some simple French.

 It is our intention that children can discuss some similarities and differences between French and English and talk about aspects of French traditions and culture as they progress through the school. This promotes an interest in and respect of differing cultures.

It is our intention that he children will develop a range of vocabulary and during subsequent years this vocabulary will be built upon and used within a wider range of conversational and written contexts. All children are catered for within our French lessons for example SEN children may be given less vocabulary to learn or additional support from adults within class. Extension tasks are given to those children who require additional challenge; these may include using new vocabulary in conjunction with pre-existing knowledge or independent vocabulary investigations.

How French is assessed:

At the end of each term, based on their knowledge of pupil responses during lessons, each pupil will be assessed against year group expectations, as emerging, expected or exceeding.  

Sharing Success:

Each year group is given opportunities to showcase their learning throughout the year by speaking in front of the class and written work and photos of children are uploaded onto tapestry for parents to view.

Learning for a Lifetime:

At Minterne Junior School, the teaching and learning of French is based upon a language rich themed curriculum where pupils are exposed to a range of experiences to enhance their knowledge, understanding and long-term memory. As a result, pupils at Minterne are confident, aspirational learners and their knowledge, through the teaching of French, as they progress through the school and into secondary school, will provide ‘Learning for a Lifetime’.