Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Curriculum Intent

The intention of the MFL curriculum at Biggin Hill Primary School is that children are taught to develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating.

As a school situated in a monocultural area and with a largely monocultural demographic, we believe that it is imperative that our children gain exposure to and experiences of other languages and cultures.

We aim to heighten their awareness of other languages through specialised teaching and other language events integrated into the curriculum.

The Modern Foreign Languages curriculum is designed to provide a broad, ambitious and engaging language education that develops children’s curiosity and enjoyment in learning another language. Through the Language Angels programme, children build progressive skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing while developing age-appropriate grammatical understanding. The curriculum aims to foster positive attitudes towards languages and deepen understanding of different cultures, identities and global perspectives. By laying secure foundations in vocabulary, pronunciation and sentence construction, the curriculum prepares pupils to continue language learning beyond primary school and to become confident, lifelong language learners

Why French?

French is the language we have chosen to teach as a primary second language in Biggin Hill Primary School.

The French language is spoken by approximately 270 million people in all areas across the world. This makes it a valuable language currency to be fluent in. As a close neighbour of England, France is also a country which is routinely visited by our families and the ability to interact with people and understand signage etc is key.

Implementation

Languages are implemented through the structured Language Angels scheme, which provides sequenced units and weekly lessons across Key Stage 2 to ensure clear progression in knowledge and skills. Learning is organised through progressive stages (Early, Intermediate and Progressive units) that introduce and revisit vocabulary, phonics and grammar in increasing depth. Lessons provide regular opportunities for children to listen, speak, read and write in the target language through interactive activities, songs, games, and structured practice with and without support. Prior learning is systematically revisited and built upon so that pupils develop a growing bank of language that becomes more fluent and authentic over time. Teachers are supported by progression maps, grammar guidance and resources to ensure consistent, high-quality language teaching across the school.

In EYFS and KS1 vocabulary is used verbally so that the children absorb some language before formal French teaching begins in KS2. Cross curricularly, in geography and RE children have learnt about traditional foods, celebrations and languages from countries all around the world including a French Day market.

Impact

The impact of the languages curriculum is seen in children’s increasing confidence and competence in understanding and using the target language across all four skills. Pupils develop accurate pronunciation, expanding vocabulary and the ability to construct spoken and written responses with growing independence. Over time, children demonstrate secure grammatical awareness and can apply language in meaningful contexts, showing enthusiasm and positive attitudes towards language learning. By the end of primary school, pupils have a strong foundation in language skills and cultural awareness, enabling them to continue language study successfully at secondary level and to engage with the wider world as informed global citizens.