Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) at Churcham

Our Vision for Language Learning at Churcham

At Churcham Primary School, we believe that learning a foreign language opens doors to the wider world. Through French, pupils develop communication skills, cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and inspire a lifelong enthusiasm for language learning.

We want every child to feel capable, motivated and excited about exploring new languages and cultures — preparing them for future opportunities in education, travel and work.

INTENT

Our MFL curriculum aims to equip pupils with the skills, knowledge and confidence to communicate in French and appreciate cultural diversity.

We aim for pupils to:

  • Receive four years of structured French education across KS2

  • Develop strong listening, speaking, reading and writing skills

  • Understand and apply key vocabulary and grammatical structures

  • Build phonetic awareness through Physical French Phonics

  • Gain confidence expressing ideas, emotions and opinions in French

  • Appreciate French culture and develop intercultural understanding

  • Become motivated, independent language learners

We use Language Angels alongside Physical French Phonics to deliver a rich, engaging and ambitious curriculum that supports progression, enjoyment and high‑quality learning.

IMPLEMENTATION

French is taught weekly across Key Stage Two in mixed‑age classes (Years 3–6). Lessons are delivered by class teachers using the Language Angels scheme and Physical French Phonics, ensuring consistency, progression and strong phonics foundations.

Curriculum Design

  • The Language Angels curriculum map is tailored specifically for Churcham, ensuring progression in vocabulary, grammar and phonics.

  • Themes and topics build on prior learning and deepen understanding year by year.

  • Pupils hear native French speakers via online resources to strengthen listening and pronunciation.

Teaching Approaches

French lessons are dynamic, enjoyable and interactive. They include:

  • Physical actions for key sounds and phrases

  • Storytelling

  • Games and songs

  • Role‑play and drama

  • Digital tools (iPads, laptops) for recording spoken and written work

  • Opportunities to practise everyday expressions such as merci and excusez‑moi

Intercultural Awareness

Pupils explore French customs, traditions and cultural practices. Special events — such as the European Day of Languages — provide focused cultural learning and celebration.

Families are invited to share their own language knowledge, strengthening community engagement and cultural appreciation.

Cross‑Curricular Links

Where possible, French learning connects with other subjects, enriching pupils’ wider understanding and supporting retention.

Celebrating Learning

Children’s work is:

  • Displayed in classrooms

  • Shared in assemblies

  • Posted on Class Dojo

  • Celebrated during themed events

This visibility reinforces language learning across the school environment.

IMPACT

The effectiveness of our MFL curriculum is monitored through a combination of formative and summative assessment, pupil voice and visible language use across school.

Assessment

  • Learning outcomes are recorded in French exercise books and digitally via iPads.

  • Teachers use weekly lessons for ongoing formative assessment, adjusting pacing and support as needed.

  • Pupils reflect on their own understanding and choose tasks suited to their confidence level.

  • Summative assessments take place each half term using foundation subject criteria.

Pupil Voice

Annual pupil voice sessions provide valuable insight into engagement, enjoyment and cultural understanding.

Language Presence Across School


This includes:

  • Classroom displays

  • Incidental French used by staff and pupils

  • Cultural event displays

  • Regular updates to parents via newsletters and Class Dojo

Outcomes

By the end of KS2, pupils:

  • Communicate confidently in French

  • Understand key phonics, vocabulary and grammar

  • Demonstrate strong listening and pronunciation skills

  • Appreciate cultural diversity

  • Are equipped with strategies for future language learning

Why MFL Matters at Churcham

Learning French helps pupils:

  • Build communication skills

  • Develop cultural awareness and empathy

  • Strengthen memory and cognitive flexibility

  • Gain confidence expressing themselves

  • Prepare for future opportunities in a global world

  • Enjoy discovering new languages and cultures

Our curriculum ensures every child becomes a confident, curious and capable language learner.