Modern Foreign Languages
The Intent, Implementation and Impact of Modern Foreign Languages
at Victoria School
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
Intent
At Victoria School we provide a language education to inspire curiosity and develop an understanding of the world and different cultures. We offer all pupils the opportunity to learn to communicate verbally and in writing in a different language. We ensure that all pupils use language with increasing confidence and fluency, providing them with the foundations necessary to go on to learn more languages providing them the tools to travel and discover and appreciate other countries.
Implementation
At Victoria School French is our preferred language which provides a pathway which is suitable for their age and ability. The Languagenut scheme is an exciting course which includes: vocabulary games to practise almost 800 words and phrases across all 4 key skills/modalities; interactive and engaging grammar and verb conjugation games; speaking and dictation activities to reinforce sound spelling links; a clear Learn-Practice-Quiz structure to guide pupils step-by-step, allowing pupils to complete plenty of recycling of language and retrieval practice; phonics games to encourage confidence in pronunciation and develop sound spelling links.
Languagenut includes activities to improve reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonics and culture skills. The interactive app allows pupils to revisit previously taught vocabulary; listen to correct pronunciation; assesses pupil’s pronunciation through voice recognition and engage in interactive games. It has carefully set out units to secure progression and develop language skills from year 3 to year 6.
Our core language program aims to ensure that all our pupils, Y3 to Y6, in Key Stage 2 are equipped with the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum. All pupils access a weekly lesson to support the development of their language skills for our preferred language, French using the Languagenut scheme.
Impact
Our consistent approach to the teaching of Modern Foreign Languages, across KS2, ensures that our pupils leave Victoria School equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to enable them to access language learning at KS3 with a developing interest to continue exploring this area of the curriculum.
Through the teaching of French, our pupils are exposed to other cultures and their horizons are broadened to prepare them for life in Modern Britain.
By the end of Key Stage 2 all children should be able to:
understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources
listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding.
engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help.
speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures.
develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases.
present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences.
read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing.
explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words.
write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly.
describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing.
understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms
speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity.
write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt.
discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.
Learning on student’s wider academic outcomes which will be used to inform policy and practice and provide practical recommendations on how to best teach modern foreign languages. As an evidence informed school, we will reflect upon any recommendations that the review raises and seek to evaluate and adapt practice as necessary.
