ST. ALDHELM’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES POLICY STATEMENT

RATIONALE:

The learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils. Pupils develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning, develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between French and English. Learning another language raises awareness of the multilingual and multicultural world and introduces an international dimension to pupils’ learning, giving them an insight into their own culture and those of others. The learning of a foreign language provides a medium for cross-curricular links and for reinforcement of knowledge, skills and understanding developed in other subjects.

AIMS:

1. To introduce young children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun
2. To stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language
3. To encourage children to be aware that language has structure and that the structure differs from one language to another
4. To help the children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries
5. To develop speaking and listening skills
6. To lay the foundations for future study

ORGANISATION:

At St. Aldhelm’s, French is taught to children in the Foundation Stage and Year One in a lesson of 30 minutes. The time is extended in a 40 minute lesson in Year Two. In Key Stage Two lessons are 45 minutes (Years Three and Four) or 50 minutes (Years Five and Six). The French lesson is supported by activities in other lessons (an integrated approach) when all teachers and LSAs will use key vocabulary and phrases to support and encourage the pupils’ use of language.

Whenever possible, Modern Foreign Languages will be taught by a teacher with a degree in the language offered. A specialist French teacher will be employed for the majority of French teaching. Class teachers with a degree in French will teach French to their own classes if appropriate.

Pupils will be taught to:

• Ask and answer questions
• Use correct pronunciation and grammar
• Use key words and phrases
• Interpret meaning
• Understand basic grammar
• Use dictionaries
• Look at life in a European country

THE CURRICULUM:

A Scheme of Work for French has been written and forms part of the school’s Curriculum Framework. It is based, in part, on the QCA non-statutory guidelines for KS2 in the National Curriculum handbook for primary teachers in England (1999) and the QCA scheme of work for Modern Foreign Languages (2000). As French is taught at Foundation Stage and Key Stage One as well as Key Stage Two, our Scheme of Work is not a copy of the QCA Scheme of Work.

The Scheme of Work provides details of the sequence of units of work and identifies appropriate resources.

ASPECTS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:

All teachers subscribe to the notion that lessons must be as enjoyable as possible so that pupils develop a positive attitude to the learning of a Modern Foreign Language. Listening, responding and speaking skills are emphasised throughout with simple reading and writing skills introduced during Key Stage Two.

A multi-sensory and kinaesthetic approach to teaching is used, i.e. a physical element is introduced as this serves to reinforce memory. Games, role- play, action songs, mime, puppets and soft toys will all be used to demonstrate and present the foreign language.

Where possible native speakers will be invited into the classroom to provide an excellent model of the spoken language as well as to involve the children in learning about the culture of France. In addition, CDs, DVDs and computer software will be used to provide authentic spoken French.

Further information on teaching and learning styles is provided in the school’s Teaching and Learning Policy.

ASSESSMENT:

Teachers will assess children’s progress informally during the lessons, evaluating progress against the four national Attainment Targets of:

• Listening and responding
• Speaking
• Reading and responding
• Writing

Assessment procedures will be in line with the school’s Assessment, Recording and Reporting policy.

A comment about pupil progress in French will be included in the Annual Report of Pupil progress in Year Two and Year Six.

SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES:

A visiting theatre- in- education performance (e.g. from European Theatre Company) will be in French at least once in every two- year period.

Children may experience other languages during their time at primary school, e.g. German Club for Key Stage One pupils, studying some German in Year Six as part of the link with Grundschule Friedrich- Ludwig- Jahn, Wittenberge, or learning words and phrases in Gujarati in Year Three (Geography/PSHE).

School membership of CILT (NACELL) will be maintained and attendance at courses, conferences and exhibitions encouraged for all interested teachers.

A section of the School Improvement Plan will be dedicated to Modern Foreign Languages.

A job description for the specialist teacher of French will be maintained.

Reading materials in French, including dual language books, will be circulated to classrooms for use at guided and independent reading times.

CONCLUSION:

This policy statement has been written in accordance with the school’s Mission Statement and Aims. It should be read alongside all other relevant policies, in particular the International policy. It is subject to review as part of the schedule of policy review as set by the governing body.