Modern Foreign Languages
“A different language is a different vision of life.” Federico Fellini
Modern foreign languages (MFL) refers to the teaching of languages, other than English, to children in the primary school years. In the UK, the teaching of MFL in primary schools became compulsory in 2014, with the aim of introducing children to a foreign language at an early age and promoting cultural awareness and understanding.
At Mount Nod Primary School, our intent is to inspire pupils to develop a love of languages and to deepen their understanding of the other countries, cultures and people. We endeavour to help pupils grow into curious, confident and reflective language learners, equipping them with the means to broaden their horizons. We believe that learning a foreign language is a necessary part of being a member of a multi-cultural society and provides an opening to other cultures.
“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” Flora Lewis
Pupils will acquire basic skills and understanding of Spanish with a strong emphasis placed on developing their speaking and listening skills, alongside reading and writing. Through experience days and in lessons, the children learn more about the languages spoken within our school and around the world. Our language curriculum in KS2 allows our students to read, write, understand and speak Spanish with increasing confidence as they learn a range of vocabulary and develop a basic understanding of grammar.
The lessons are structured so that it is taught on a two-year rolling programme. Repetition of phonics and grammar content, alongside a variation in vocabulary makes it possible for the first two years and subsequent two years to be completed in either order.
“Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift. Learning a new language is becoming a member of the club – the community of speakers of that language.” Frank Smith
The objectives of the MFL curriculum are underpinned by the National Curriculum and Chris Quigley Milestones using a scheme of work created for the CAM Academy Trust Schools. The scheme draws on key recommendations from the pedagogy review and the Ofsted languages research report, which highlight the three key knowledge strands phonics, vocabulary, and grammar. The resources focus on everyday cultural contexts to build confident communication in the new language. The emphasis is on speaking and listening, making learning fun through songs and games, varied resources and practical activities.
The culture and traditions of Spanish speaking countries are taught as an integral part of learning the language. Languages are also introduced in KS1 during register time - this includes greetings and some counting. Different languages may also be introduced throughout the school as part of geography and world topics, as well as through whole school clubs such as British Sign Language and our after-school Spanish club.
Click here to view the Languages Milestones
Click here to see the CAM Scheme Language Progression Map
Click here to view the Languages Programmes of Study (National Curriculum)
