Modern Foreign Language
Intent
At Temple Grove Academy, the learning of a foreign language allows the children of our community to discover the cultural richness of the wider world. It provides a child with a sense that they belong to a global community, which is united by common values regardless of language and dialect.
French language learning affords children the opportunity to have meaningful, relevant conversations in another language about their daily lives and experiences. Children learn to express themselves in modern conversational French as well as in writing.
Engaging French provision allows children an additional stage on which to shine, as children generally begin at similar baselines at the outset of their journey of language learning. Children that might feel less confident in particular subjects are afforded an opportunity to be successful in a new context.
Implementation
Modern Foreign Language learning at Temple Grove Academy is centred on the development of French speaking and writing skills. This development is supported by:
- Thirty minutes of weekly French instruction, which may be divided into two 15-minute sessions;
- Planning and instruction guided by La Jolie Ronde, a whole-school French language instruction framework;
- Medium-term planning is guided by the framework to ensure a logical progression and coverage;
- Session planning is informed by instructors’ assessment for learning, so that gaps in language learning do not hinder progress and enjoyment;
- Each session includes recall of previous learning, a vocal component, and a written component in upper Key Stage 2;
- The use of correct pronunciation is modelled- this may be supported by resources;
- New vocabulary, or new syntax, is acquired in every lesson;
- As in other subjects, praise for success in small steps is a key component to maintaining children’s sense of motivation and achievement;
Impact
- Children will acquire an ever-growing lexicon of new vocabulary and become increasingly fluent with a variety of sentence-types in French;
- A logical progression of learning will ensure that learners build on the knowledge and skills over time;
- Students gain an awareness of the wider world and membership in a global community;
- Children are given an opportunity to enjoy engaging learning, songs, and games;
- Pupils achieve at least age-related expectations in French, and have opportunity to demonstrate working in-depth;
- Pupils are able to communicate effectively including in both spoken and written forms;