French

Learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) not only prepares children linguistically but also cultivates an open-mindedness towards and interest different cultures. Although the government’s statutory Modern Foreign Language (MFL) requirement at primary level is uniquely targeted at KS1, children at Hugh Myddelton and Winton Primary School are fortunate enough to be taught French right from EYFS to the end of Year 6. 

We seek to integrate this widely spoken MFL from a young age when children are more receptive and are naturally curious. Every year group receives French weekly and the duration of lessons are dependent on the children's age and attention space. Our language lessons seek to engage children and are set in an authentic context Language, using purposeful resources and activities: from songs and picture books to memory games and role plays. New vocabulary is always accompanied by visual representations and frequently tie in with our talk for writing approach used in story-telling in English lessons, whereby vocabulary is linked to a given action to aid recall. The French curriculum at our schools cover the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. However, we prioritise oracy so that children have the confidence to communicate and be immersed in French from a young age. 

Our French lessons also involve learning about francophone countries and their festivities, which is also supported by various after school clubs including French music, French artists and a French cooking club. You can see more of our amazing French teachers on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLVk3JEtZQX5uqVrPX6C_jRdnNiylnFa

In addition to French, our pupils also receive weekly Mandarin lessons with a native Mandarin speaker. Nursery-Year 2 receive language lessons and Years 3-6 participate in cultural lessons, learning Chinese calligraphy, cooking and the history of Chinese opera!