MFL
Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) at Peterchurch.
Under the National Curriculum 2014, learning a modern foreign language is a requirement for all children in Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6). At Peterchurch, we have chosen to teach French, believing it gives our pupils the strongest foundation for continued language study at secondary school. While not statutory, we also introduce incidental French in Key Stage 1, helping prepare younger pupils for more formal study later on.
Our Vision and Rationale
We believe that learning another language is much more than an academic exercise. It is a valuable educational, social, and cultural opportunity that enriches children’s lives by:
Developing strong communication skills — especially speaking and listening — and enhancing awareness of how language works.
Promoting global citizenship, helping children see themselves as part of a wider, interconnected world.
Encouraging cultural understanding and empathy, providing insight into their own culture and those of others.
Building a foundation for further language study, offering a fresh perspective on their first language.
These aims align with national curriculum expectations and support our broader mission to nurture well-rounded, open-minded learners.
Aims of MFL at Peterchurch
Cultivate a love for learning languages by making lessons enjoyable, accessible, and relevant for all pupils.
Spark curiosity and creativity, encouraging children to experiment with new sounds, phrases, and language patterns.
Strengthen oracy and literacy, focusing on confident spoken communication and active listening.
Build cultural awareness and understanding, helping children recognize similarities and differences across languages and cultures.
Prepare pupils for future language study in secondary school.
Enhance first-language understanding, as learning a second language often illuminates how their own language works.
Enrich cross-curricular learning, connecting language lessons with other subjects and school life more broadly.
How We Teach MFL
Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6): We follow a structured French curriculum that progressively builds skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and phonics.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2): Pupils hear and use simple French through songs, rhymes, and informal vocabulary, helping them build confidence early.
Our scheme is spiral in design, revisiting vocabulary and language structures so learning is consolidated and deepened over time.
We integrate wider cultural learning, exploring French-speaking communities, geography, traditions, and everyday life to develop intercultural understanding.
Lessons include engaging activities such as songs, games, role-play, interactive tasks, and scaffolded grammar work, tailored for different ages and abilities.
