Languages

The teaching of languages to early learners is now widely recognised as a significant contributory factor in improving literacy, building self-confidence and broadening cultural horizons. At Sherborne Primary School 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 communication skills including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.

At Sherborne Primary School all children in Key Stage 2 are taught French. Some of our children have the opportunity to learn Spanish in years 5 and 6 as we offer two Spanish clubs during the school week. In French our children are working towards the four attainment targets that are statutory in Key Stage 3 French:

Listening and responding
Speaking
Reading and responding
Writing

We believe the main aims of teaching Modern Foreign Languages at Key Stage 2 are:

to develop children’s linguistic competence
to increase their cultural awareness by learning about different countries and their people
to foster positive attitudes towards foreign language learning
to use their knowledge with growing confidence to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and writing
to form a sound basis for further study at Key Stage 3 and beyond

Language lessons at Sherborne Primary School focus on activities that allow and encourage the children to express themselves creatively and imaginatively in another language. This emphasis on communication, including language learning’s important role in the ‘education of the ear’, underpins children’s capabilities in speaking and listening, which is critical to effective communication as well as a key foundation for literacy. Language learning at SPS offers opportunities for children to gain enjoyment, pride and a sense of achievement in communicating with others, to develop their knowledge of languages and language learning and to explore their own cultural identities and those of others.

Each child in KS2 has a My Languages Portfolio which they complete themselves to show progression throughout their language learning.

My Languages Portfolio is: * a learning tool; *a means of celebrating children’s language-learning experiences; * an open-ended record of children’s achievements in languages; * a valuable source of information to aid transfer to the next class or school. Using the My Languages Portfolio helps to give children a commitment to and ownership of their learning. By discussing and negotiating the aims, content and processes of their work at regular intervals, children gradually learn to take more responsibility for their own progress. The Portfolio helps them develop a reflective approach to language learning and to develop language-learning strategies which help them to learn independently.

Modern Foreign Languages- French

Our approach is to make learning a new language fun! Young children are very receptive to learning a new language; they like to mimic pronunciation, and they can easily pick up and duplicate new sounds. They feel a real sense of accomplishment when they learn to say something new. Repetition and practice are essential in learning a new language, so songs and games are regularly used.
In KS2, each class has a timetabled French lesson following our Language Angels scheme of work, which develops the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing within the subject. We are committed to ensuring that competence in another language enables children to interpret, create and exchange meaning within and across cultures. It also helps children develop skills that will open further opportunities later in life.
The teaching of French in KS2 provides an appropriate balance of spoken and written language and lays the foundations for further foreign language teaching at KS3.

French Overview