Our Modern Foreign Languages (MLF) Curriculum 

At Highfields Primary School, our intent for Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) is to foster a life-long curiosity and enjoyment of language learning and our chosen language is French. We believe that learning a language is a vital skill that empowers children to become confident communicators and culturally aware citizens – a vital skill to prepare them for a future in an increasingly interconnected world.  

We aim to: 

• Spark curiosity in linguistics by giving our children opportunities to explore how languages work and develop an interest in communication beyond their own language. 

• Place collaboration at the heart of lessons, providing frequent opportunities for children to hold conversations with peers to build confidence in speaking and listening. 

• Support our children to embrace the challenges of language learning to enhance cognitive skills and their communication skills.  

• Develop the cultural awareness and understanding our children need to thrive as responsible citizens in an increasingly interconnected and diverse global community. 

By the end of KS2, not only do we strive to ensure that our pupils leave us competent in the reading, writing, speaking, and listening, requirements of MFL (as outlined in the National Curriculum), we intend that all pupils understand the importance of language learning, and are equipped with the confidence and enthusiasm needed for future study of a modern foreign language.  

How is modern foreign languages (MFL) taught?  

All KS2 classes use the Language Angel’s scheme of work, including its high-quality French curriculum and engaging and interactive resources, which are all organised around age-appropriate topics and themes. Regularly taught and well-planned weekly lessons develop children’s French into more complex, fluent and authentic language as they progressively acquire and apply a growing bank of vocabulary, language skills and grammatical knowledge. 

Lessons offering appropriate levels of challenge and stretch ensure pupils learn effectively, continuously building their knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, French. Children will be taught how to listen, build up to reading longer pieces of text and have ample opportunities to speak, listen to, read and write the language being taught with varying levels of support as needed. 

Language Angels organises the MFL curriculum by grouping units into three ‘Teaching Types’ (Early language, intermediate and progressive). Units, where possible and appropriate, will be linked to class topics and cross curricular themes. 

The school has a unit planner in place which can be used as an overall ‘teaching map’ outlining for all teachers within the school what each class in each year group will be taught and when and to ensure substantial progress and learning is achieved. Each teaching unit is divided into 6 fully planned lessons which have clearly defined objectives and aims. 

Progression of skills and knowledge 

Children build on previous knowledge progressively as foreign language learning continually recycles, revises and consolidates prior learning. Lessons systematically develop all four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, ensuring skills build securely over time. 

Grammar is integrated discreetly throughout all appropriate units and across all levels of challenge. Where needed, teachers also use the dedicated ‘Grammar Explained’ units to ensure pupils are explicitly taught the grammatical structures they need. This enables children, by the end of the primary phase, to create accurate, personalised responses to increasingly complex and authentic foreign language questions. 

Teachers are supported through our clear Progression Map and Grammar Grid, ensuring grammar and skills are taught at the appropriate time and in the correct sequence throughout pupils’ language-learning journey.  

How do we make MFL real and relevant? 

Making MFL real and relevant with Language Angels at KS2 involves using their native-speaker audio for authentic pronunciation, interactive games for engagement, and, crucially, linking lessons to real-world contexts, cross-curricular topics, and cultural insights. This is also implemented through a range of whole-school enrichment initiatives e.g. European Language Day.  

How do we make MFL accessible to all pupils? 

We are 100% committed to effective teaching and learning in primary foreign languages for all children. Through skilful adaption, variation of task, grouping, support from an adult and access to resources e.g. vocabulary mats, we work to ensure all children can access the same broad curriculum as their peers and have opportunities to work in greater depth. 

• Multisensory teaching is embedded throughout lessons using audio, visual and kinaesthetic approaches to support memory and engagement. 

• Native-speaker audio, songs, games and interactive resources help pupils immerse themselves in language learning. 

• Repetition, retrieval and practice are built into each unit to help pupils embed knowledge and skills over time. 

• Dual coding is used through images and English translations so meaning is clear and secure. 

• Language is carefully chunked, with reduced text and short, clear instructions to support understanding. 

• Lesson design considers layout, colour, font type and size to improve accessibility and readability. 

• Adaptive resources such as word banks, scaffolded writing, additional lines/boxes and cutting-and-pasting options remove barriers to learning. 

• Visual self‑assessment tools ensure all pupils can reflect on and celebrate their progress and achievements. 

How do we integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning? 

We use technology to teach French through Language Angel’s comprehensive, interactive, and pre-planned digital platform. It features: 

• Interactive Whiteboard Tools: Lessons are delivered via digital presentations, designed for immediate, interactive use and which include games, songs, raps and activities to boost engagement. 

• Native Speaker Audio: Embedded audio clips ensure children hear correct pronunciation. 

• Multimedia Resources: The platform offers videos to introduce new phonics and a wealth of French stories to enhance listening skills. 

• Digital Assessment and Tracking Tools: The platform helps teachers track progress and identify gaps in learning.