Modern Foreign Languages

Intent

We believe that learning a new language opens doors to new worlds, broadens horizons, and fosters global citizenship. Our Languages Curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum for Languages and is designed to build on children’s prior knowledge, provide rich, real-life learning experiences, and develop both linguistic competence and intercultural understanding.

We aim to nurture confident, resilient, and articulate language learners who are equipped with the oracy skills to express themselves clearly and respectfully. Through engaging and interactive lessons, children will develop speaking and listening skills that enable them to communicate ideas, ask questions, and build connections with others in a new language.

Learning a different language:

• Encourages curiosity about and respect for other cultures and communities, locally and globally

• Provides real-life contexts and meaningful experiences to embed language learning in everyday life

• Promotes children’s wellbeing through enjoyable, creative activities such as singing, storytelling, role play, games, and cooperative learning

• Strengthens a sense of identity, belonging, and empathy through exploring cultural perspectives and values

• Offers an inclusive environment where all children start from the same point, promoting equality and mutual support

• Builds pride, confidence, and a sense of achievement through sustained progress and celebration of success

• Encourages the application of metacognitive strategies that improve both language and wider learning skills

To ensure a coherent and ambitious foreign languages curriculum, we use the Language Angels scheme of work. This provides a broad and vibrant curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum, and enriched with diverse topics and themes that inspire, challenge, and excite our pupils. We set high expectations for all learners, ensuring they are supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential and develop a life-long love of languages.

Language learning is structured around the four key skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, delivered through an integrated approach to phonics, grammar, and vocabulary acquisition. These elements are taught in dynamic, purposeful ways that allow pupils to apply their learning in real-world contexts, both inside and outside the classroom. Pupils will also develop independent research skills, building a personal reference library that supports ongoing learning and recall of key concepts.

Beyond the classroom, we aim to connect language learning with our local environment and community. Opportunities such as themed days, cultural celebrations, language ambassadors, and community engagement will help pupils experience the real-life value of learning a language. This reinforces their understanding of diversity, strengthens community links, and contributes to their overall social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing.

Our ultimate goal is for all children to develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages. We aim to help them explore the relationship between language and identity, build deeper connections with the world around them, and become confident, compassionate, and reflective global citizens prepared for the next stages of their education and beyond.