Intent

At St Mary’s, we teach French as our Modern Foreign Language (MFL) from Year R. We believe learning a foreign language enriches children's experiences of their immediate world and provides an opening to other cultures and communities. Our MFL curriculum fosters our children's curiosity and deepens their understanding of the wider world. It enables 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 also provides opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes. We believe our curriculum provides a strong foundation for learning further languages later and may inspire them to hope to study and work in other countries.

Implementation

Our language lessons are planned and delivered using Primary Languages Network. Our MFL teaching is systematically planned by building vocabulary, skills and knowledge over time. Due to our mixed year group classes, we have adapted the delivery of the curriculum.  This ensures that each class and year group makes progress as they move through the school.  Working with Primary Languages Network we have tailored out programme to ensure every child builds upon previous learning. Our children learn French through songs, stories, role play, art and games. Our focus is building our children's confidence at speaking French with correct pronunciation as well as developing vocabulary. Lessons provide opportunities for speaking and listening, as well as developing reading and writing skills. Lessons are interactive and French is spoken as much as possible.

Impact

When children leave St Mary’s, their learning in MFL will enable them to speak French for practical purposes. They will also be able to express themselves through simple French writing for a variety of audiences. They will have a better understanding of another culture and the importance of respecting others’ beliefs and traditions.

_{French Curriculum Drivers}

Environmental Stewardship: Our French curriculum promotes environmental stewardship by engaging the children through text and topic material that includes stories and learning about nature and animals. This encourages children to think about issues such as recycling, conservation and climate change from the point of view of another country thus helping them see this from a global perspective.

Global Mindset, Diversity and Inclusion: Learning French fosters these by exposing children to a new language and culture early in their development. It encourages curiosity and appreciation for different ways of life, enhancing cultural awareness and empathy. This foundational language skill opens doors to understanding and engaging with French-speaking communities worldwide, promoting inclusivity and broadening students' perspectives on global diversity. Through interactive and immersive learning experiences, children become more open-minded and equipped to navigate a multicultural world.

Play-Based Learning: French is learnt with an emphasis on play-based learning.  Our curriculum integrates games, role-playing, and hands-on activities, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. By encouraging curiosity and creativity through play, children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, social interaction, and language acquisition in a natural and enjoyable manner. This approach not only enhances cognitive and motor skills but also nurtures a lifelong love of learning, making education a joyful and integral part of their everyday experiences.

Belonging: At St Mary’s, learning French fosters a sense of belonging by connecting students to a rich cultural and linguistic heritage shared by millions worldwide. This early exposure helps young learners appreciate diversity and cultural similarities, enhancing their global awareness and empathy. It also creates a community within the classroom where students share the joy of mastering a new language, building camaraderie and mutual support. Moreover, the inclusion of French can make students feel part of a broader, multicultural society, enriching their educational experience and personal identity.

Inspiration and Aspiration: Early exposure to a foreign language broadens their horizons, making them more open-minded and culturally aware. Learning French not only enhances cognitive skills and academic performance but also ignites a passion for travel, global citizenship, and diverse career opportunities. By mastering a second language, children build confidence and ambition, envisioning themselves as future global communicators and leaders.

Spiritual Development: At St Mary’s, we support spiritual development through language by helping the children appreciate the beauty of expression and the depth of human experiences. This exposure to different ways of thinking and living cultivates empathy, self-reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity, all of which are essential components of spiritual growth.

Communication and Storytelling: Our design and technology curriculum enhances these skills by encouraging children to engage with a new language, young learners develop the ability to express themselves in diverse ways, broadening their communicative repertoire. French lessons often incorporate interactive activities such as role-playing, dialogues, and collaborative storytelling, which encourage students to practice speaking and listening in real-life contexts.