Modern Foreign Languages

at Thames

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world”
Chinese proverb

Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Overview

Intent- why do we teach this?

At Thames Primary, we believe that learning a foreign language is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Our MFL curriculum is designed to inspire and empower our pupils to become confident and effective communicators in a globalised world.

 

  • Broadening Horizons: Our MFL curriculum aims to broaden the horizons of our students by exposing them to different cultures and languages. We want our students to develop an appreciation and understanding of diverse perspectives, fostering open-mindedness and tolerance and celebrating difference.
  • Communication Skills: We strive to develop our students’ ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language. Through engaging activities, interactive discussions, and real-life scenarios, we enable them to express themselves, both orally and in writing, with confidence and fluency.
  • Cultural Awareness: Our MFL curriculum places a strong emphasis on cultural awareness and understanding of all who live in the local community. We aim to deepen our students’ knowledge of different cultures, traditions, customs, and celebrations. By exploring cultural aspects alongside language learning, we encourage our students to become global citizens who respect and appreciate cultural diversity.
  • Enthusiasm for Languages: We aspire to instil a love for languages in our pupils. By making language learning enjoyable and interactive, we want our pupils to develop a lifelong enthusiasm for exploring new languages and cultures, widening their perception of the possibilities open to them for travel and exploration in their life. We celebrate their progress and achievements, fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment.
  • Progression and Continuity: Our MFL curriculum is carefully planned to ensure progression and continuity throughout the years. We build upon prior knowledge and skills, enabling our pupils to develop a solid foundation in the target language. We endeavour to set them up for success in their future language learning journey at high school and beyond.

Implementation- What do we teach? What does this look like?

  • Engaging Lessons: Our MFL lessons are designed to be interactive, engaging, and inclusive. We use a variety of teaching strategies, including singing, role play, games, multimedia resources, and authentic materials, to enhance pupils’ learning experiences and encourage all pupils to participate.
  • Language Skills Development: We focus on the development of all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Our curriculum provides opportunities for students to practise these skills through group activities, paired discussions, reading comprehension exercises, and written tasks.
  • Cultural Immersion: We believe that cultural immersion is key to language learning. Through cultural projects, festivals, international celebrations, and virtual exchanges, we expose our students to the richness and diversity of the target language culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation.
  • Technology Integration: We embrace technology as a tool to enhance language learning. Our students have access to language learning platforms, online resources and interactive apps, enabling them to practise their language skills.

Impact- what will this look like?

Regular assessment and feedback play a crucial role in our MFL curriculum. We use a variety of assessment methods, including oral presentations, written assignments, listening exercises, and quizzes. Through personalised feedback, we guide our pupils towards improvement and celebrate their progress.

At Thames Primary Academy, we are committed to providing our pupils with a high-quality MFL education that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. We believe that learning a foreign language is not just about acquiring vocabulary and grammar, but also about fostering empathy, curiosity, and a global perspective. We hope to inspire the children to begin an exciting linguistic and cultural journey.