Bradshaw Primary SchoolMFL
At Bradshaw, we have a colourful MFL curriculum that is taught throughout KS2 from years 3 to 6, at which stage the children have a wider knowledge of another language, allowing them to confidently embrace any other languages they may encounter when they move on to KS3.
In Year 3, pupils engage in song, rhyme, repetition and drama, all of which helps to build their confidence when learning to speak Italian. At Bradshaw, we use Language Angels, a comprehensive MFL programme that empowers teachers to teach Italian effectively throughout KS2 while the children learn to develop their language skills through fun activities and social communication. Learning how to count to 10, naming most colours, and generally how to present themselves in Italian are all part of the introduction to learning a foreign language. By embedding these skills early in Year 3, pupils develop a secure foundation for moving forward in the art of foreign conversation.
Similarly, in Year 4, our aim is to further develop pupils’ conversational skills by further expanding their vocabulary. Our main focus throughout KS2 is to allow children to develop fluency in their language speaking and to be able to understand Italian, recognising that there are many different dialects spoken in many countries all over the world. Bradshaw pupils are taught correct Italian, which is understood anywhere in Italy.
In Years 5 and 6, pupils have a broad range of Italian knowledge. They understand the differences and similarities of Italian culture compared to that of other cultures, including the United Kingdom. They have learnt to read Italian through repetitive phonics lessons and re-capping on previous studies. Year 5 and 6 pupils are confident in speaking and reading what they have learnt so far in Italian. They look for words similar to those they know in the English language to help with understanding of reading and pronunciation. Verbs, noun genders, phonics, adjectives and pronunciation are all part of our continual learning and development in Upper KS2.
MFL is promoted throughout the school on a day-to-day basis through the use of Italian signage for different rooms and resources, and through the use of conversational Italian outside of MFL lessons, such as greetings around school and when completing morning and afternoon registers.
SEND
At Bradshaw, we continually strive to include all pupils in language learning, regardless of the many different barriers to learning.
Children who struggle with language learning will be supported and encouraged in a variety of ways, including one-to-one support, working within a small group of children, vocabulary mats and adapted materials.
ASSESSMENT
MFL is continuously assessed throughout each term. At the end of each Language Angels unit, there is a speaking, listening, reading and oral exercise for pupils to complete. Feedback is not only given out in everyday learning but is also provided following each assessment. All information is fed back to the subject leader regularly to see if any adjustments to the children’s learning is required.