Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Learning a foreign language provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.

We believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop their ability to communicate, including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. It provides excitement, enjoyment and challenge for children and teachers, helping to create enthusiastic learners and to develop positive attitudes to language learning throughout life. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others. The natural links between languages and other areas of the curriculum can enrich the overall teaching and learning experience.

Aims:

• Foster an interest in language learning by introducing children to other languages in a way that is enjoyable and accessible to all pupils
• Stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language and creativity in experimenting with it
• Support oracy and literacy, and in particular develop speaking and listening skills
• Help children develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences
• Lay the foundations for future language study by pupils
• Provide an added perspective on first language teaching and learning
• Give an extra dimension to teaching and learning across the curriculum.