MFL - French

How do we teach French in the Bursledon Federation?

Our French curriculum at Bursledon Junior School prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are often carried out in languages other than English. We want our children to have an awareness of how a foreign language develops in order to give them a foundation for their next phase of secondary education.

We use Oracy throughout our weekly sessions, where children learn basic vocabulary and phrases through games, songs, role-play etc...They listen and respond, explore patterns and sounds of language , engage in conversation, speak in sentences using phrases and basic language structures.

We follow a progressive curriculum from Year 3 to Year 6 , Our French native speaking teacher focuses on the skills and knowledge stated in the National Curriculum. At Bursledon we ensure that French is recognised as carrying the same importance as other foundation subjects.

We believe it is vital that we not only develop children’s understanding of the world, but give them real experiences to taste French cuisine, celebrate and recognise French culture within our Bursledon community. Every year, we embrace the immersive experience of French learning through our French day.

The impact of the MFL curriculum at Bursledon, demonstrates that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge for further education and life as an adult in the wider world. When our children leave Year 6, our desire is that they have a passion for learning another language, and they recognise the cognitive benefits (improved memory, problem solving, critical thinking skills, enhanced concentration and better listening skills) and can use these transferable skills in the language the secondary schools offer.