Modern Foreign Languages
At Devonshire Primary Academy, we believe that learning a foreign language is a vital part of preparing our children to thrive in a multicultural society. Our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and deepen students’ understanding of the world. French is our chosen language of study, as it is the most commonly taught language at KS3 in the schools our students typically go on to attend.
Our French scheme of learning at Devonshire aims to do much more than teach a language. We want our students to express their ideas and thoughts in French, understand and respond to native speakers, and use the language for practical communication. By learning French, our students also gain access to new ways of thinking and the rich culture of the Francophone world.
Our primary goals in teaching French include:
- Sparking an interest in learning a new language and about a new culture;
- Building confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French;
- Highlighting the importance and relevance of language skills, and their transferability to other areas of life;
- Motivating our children through enjoyable and accessible learning activities; and
- Encouraging creativity and curiosity by experimenting with language.
We use a carefully structured curriculum based on our Trust Progression document, which not only meets but exceeds the requirements of the national curriculum. In KS1, our children are exposed to French through the use of rhymes, songs, stories and simple games. All children in KS2 participate in French lessons every two weeks, supplemented by consolidation activities and occasional themed MFL days for enrichment.
Our curriculum is designed to progressively develop French language skills, with a focus on three key themes each year: Myself, My School, and My Home. This approach allows students to build on their knowledge year after year, ensuring a strong foundation in vocabulary and key grammatical structures. By pacing learning and concentrating on these core areas, we aim to provide a comprehensive and effective language learning experience, setting the stage for further language studies and a deeper appreciation of the cultural and linguistic diversity of our world.