MfL at Harbury
“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”(Chinese proverb)
At Harbury Primary School, Modern Foreign Languages are introduced formally across all of Key Stage 2. We teach German as we have a number of trained staff in that subject, it also links to our main Secondary school. The MFL curriculum is based on a scheme of work “The Primary Languages Network” This was introduced in September 2022. Each year group follows core skills and it is a spiral scheme which builds on previous knowledge yearly. The progression and scheme overview can be viewed below.
Studying a language in primary school provides children with essential skills. As well as giving them the opportunity to learn a second language, an increasingly important skill in our globalised society, it also helps to promote and develop a broader intercultural understanding. The study of a second language also supports children’s general literacy and oracy, by raising awareness of their own language and thereby enriching their understanding of both. Furthermore, primary languages are about fun, communication, confidence building, developing learning strategies, learning about similarities and differences and respecting others.
In UKS2 we introduce more formal grammar and use German dictionaries to improve our skills.
Where possible we endeavour to link MFL lessons to our learning themes, although some units are taught discretely. Culture plays a huge part in MFL lessons. Festivals and seasonal celebrations are taught where appropriate throughout the year to each year group
Our MFL curriculum ensures that all pupils develop key language learning skills, as set out by the National Curriculum, as well as a love of languages and an understanding of other cultures.
In order to continue to raise the profile of German across the school and build spoken confidence within the children, we use signage that is displayed. The aim is that adults and children use it as much as possible during the week. If the children get used to seeing language 'in action' it will make it more worthwhile. Also, it will mean that when children start learning German in Year 3 they will already have learnt a few words and phrases. By the time they leave Harbury, our children will have a good phrase bank ready for their language learning to continue at secondary school and to use if they travel to a German speaking country. Our children are very proud of their German books. It would be great if you could encourage your children to use the words at home as well. We welcome any family links to Germany to further enhance our learning. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you can help us!
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