Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Statement:

MFL (French at Shebbear Community Primary School)

Intent
Our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum aims to foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world by teaching French using the Twinkl “Lightning Languages” scheme. We intend to ensure all pupils in Key Stage 2 develop solid linguistic foundations in French, progressing their skills in reading, writing, speaking and
listening. We aim to:
• Meet National Curriculum Requirements: Fully meet the expectations of the English National Curriculum for MFL, providing a high-quality language education that encourages pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language.
• Promote Cultural Capital: Broaden pupils’ cultural understanding by integrating French culture, traditions, and phonics within the lessons.
• Build Progression and Retention: Utilise the scheme’s focus on structured repetition and recap of core vocabulary and grammatical structures to embed language learning and ensure long-term retention.
• Ensure Accessibility: Make language learning accessible and engaging for all learners, including those in our mixed-age classes (Panda: Years 3/4 and Koala: Years 5/6), using a clear, progressive framework.

Implementation
We implement the MFL curriculum through a robust, two-year rolling cycle across Key Stage 2, ensuring that all pupils participate in
and build upon their French language learning. We use the Twinkl “Lightning Languages” units tailored to our mixed-age class
structure:
• Two-Year Rolling Programme: Our curriculum is mapped out over a two-year rolling programme. Year 3/4 classes primarily follow the “Lift Off” units (ages 7-9), while Year 5/6 classes follow the “In Orbit” units (ages 9-11). The rolling nature ensures comprehensive coverage of content across both cycles for every pupil.
• Structured Lessons: Lessons are delivered weekly in 30-45-minute sessions.
• Integrated Skills: The scheme ensures progression in all four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Lessons include interactive elements such as songs, games, stories, and activities to engage all learning styles.
• Resources: We utilise the full suite of resources, including detailed lesson plans, PowerPoints and interactive materials.

Impact
The impact of our MFL curriculum will be measured through ongoing formative assessments and pupil outcomes:
• Pupil Outcomes: Pupils will leave primary school with a solid foundation in French, enabling them to confidently communicate simple ideas and information verbally and in writing.
• Progressive Learning: Pupils will demonstrate clear progress in their command of French grammar, vocabulary, and phonics, evidenced through learning outcomes within lessons.
• Engagement and Confidence: We anticipate high levels of pupil engagement and increased confidence in attempting a new language. The systematic approach will ensure that learning is memorable and that children are well-prepared for their secondary school language education.
• Cultural Awareness: Pupils will develop a broader global awareness and cultural understanding of French-speaking communities and traditions, fulfilling our aim to create well-rounded global citizens.

Curriculum Coverage
We have adapted and sequenced the National Curriculum requirements for MFL to ensure progress across LKS2 and UKS2. Below are the NC statements with related skills that we teach across the pupils’ learning journey:

MFL Curriculum Overview