Subject Overview
The Primary Languages Network is a scheme that enables children to be taught by a native language speaker through a series of online lessons. Children at Frogmore Junior School learn stages 1 and 2 of Spanish in lower school and French, stages 2 and 3 in upper school. We work in close collaboration with Frogmore Community College to ensure that children develop a love of languages and the necessary skills to progress this at a higher level once they leave juniors.
Curriculum Intent
Children will develop and use the four skills of learning a modern foreign language: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Primary Languages Network delivers a “creative, engaging and fun teaching style” through a series of online lessons. Teachers are enabled to provide a complete curriculum coverage by using this scheme and assess and monitor children’s progress using the tools provided. Children will become confident in using modern foreign languages by experiencing and creating a range of different materials, including: games, songs, stories and making posters.
Curriculum Implementation
Modern Foreign Languages is taught weekly, for a minimum of thirty minutes. Teachers will also take opportunities during the week to revisit vocabulary as evidence shows that languages are best learnt in an immersive environment. There are opportunities each term, via homework projects, for children to further explore modern foreign languages.
Curriculum Impact
Children will leave Frogmore having learnt two different languages and completing level 3 in French. This is the average level at which children leave primary school. Children will have developed skills in the four areas of language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Children will have developed a confidence and enjoyment of Modern Foreign Languages as a subject which we enable them to make good progress at secondary school.
What a ‘typical’ lesson looks like:
An online lesson is around 30 minutes of content. There are always opportunities to revisit previous learning before progressing. The lessons often begin with a story or song, with which the children can interact. This enables them to feel confident in using the language as a whole class group. The native speaker demonstrates verbal and written vocabulary, linked to the term’s theme, which children are encouraged to learn using a “repeat after me” style, followed by some partner or group vocabulary. The class teacher then leads a task, which is usually a game, to embed the vocabulary orally and assess the progress of individual learners. Children further embed their understanding by writing the vocabulary from the lesson, this is often in the style of a poster or picture. This is recorded in their orange book.
Teaching & Learning
A minimum of 30 minutes each week is dedicated to the teaching of Modern Foreign Languages. There should be a record of learning in the orange books for each session. Teachers should analyse children’s progress using a RAG rating system. Children should leave Frogmore Junior School having received teaching to at least level 3.
SEND
Pupils with SEND may find they cannot fully access all four strands of the teaching. They should receive targeted support to further extend their knowledge and understanding using the strands that are most accessible to them. For example: a child might find writing difficult and therefore could practice more speaking and listening activities. Home Learning Topic homework will provide opportunities for children to explore other languages and cultures.
