MFL
French at White Court
Meet the team
As a native speaker, I am passionate about teaching French to all children because language is more than words — it’s a bridge to culture, understanding and connection. I first started teaching in secondary schools which gives me a holistic view of the children's learning journey. Sharing my language allows me to inspire curiosity, confidence and a love of learning. I want every child, regardless of background or ability, to have the opportunity to discover the joy of communicating in another language and to see themselves as part of a wider world. I believe all children deserve the chance to learn another language because it helps them grow into open-minded, empathetic global citizens.
Mme Mitchell
Growing up, I loved studying languages. I developed my passion for early language learning after seeing how much joy and pride children feel when they realize they can understand and speak another language. Children are naturally curious and absorb languages more easily. Starting early gives children a real advantage later in life — academically, socially, and professionally. It’s exciting to think that something they learn in primary school could open doors all over the world.
Mrs Evans
Vision
We introduce formal language learning in Key Stage 2 but provide opportunities for younger children to explore the French language. Each year group covers topics which build on knowledge from previous years. The units are derived from the Language Angels scheme of work and more bespoke lessons are taught in Years 5 and 6. Children are challenged and supported as appropriate to their age and ability. Our MFL teaching lays the foundations to learn further languages (at KS3 and beyond) and enables pupils to travel to, study and work in other countries in the future.
Our native French teacher, Mme Mitchell, coordinates and delivers much of the curriculum across KS2, sharing with us her expertise. We provide access to resources on the Language Angels website to support less confident members of staff to carry out short activities with their classes both within and beyond their French lessons. In Years 4, 5 and 6 we promote use of the Duolingo app, enabling pupils to practise their language learning at home. We also have a team of Language Ambassadors, pupil representatives who are involved in managing aspects of language learning in school. Clear progression has been developed to ensure learners are building on the four key skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
We aim to inspire our pupils so that they leave White Court with a desire to pursue language learning. We will equip them with the basic language skills and intercultural understanding required for the next stage of their education and adult lives.
Our MFL curriculum
We are teaching ...
Our chosen language at White Court School is French. Children in KS2 will be provided with opportunities to communicate for a purpose through both spoken and written language. Each year group will cover a set of topics (presented as a progressive Learning Journey from Year 3 through to Year 6) which are adapted to the best fit for our pupils. Children will be challenged and supported as appropriate to their age and ability so that all pupils make good progress. French vocabulary and key phrases will be on display in classrooms to expose the children to the language in their day-to-day routines.
We teach French by ...
A clear progression document has been developed through liaising with staff to ensure leaders have a good understanding of the National Curriculum and what is being taught across the school. This can also be seen through our Learning Journey. This will continue to be monitored through staff and pupil feedback and lesson drop-ins, and adapted to ensure effective coverage and a clear reflection of the learning that is taking place. Progression of learning can also be seen in topic books. Children’s work will be marked at the end of each lesson, and live verbal feedback given. Informal assessments will be made to inform planning of subsequent lessons and data will be formally collected and analysed each academic year to identify strengths in teaching and learning as well as closing any learning gaps.
The children learn ...
Through strategic and focused planning, our children will have the opportunity to acquire and retain knowledge, whilst building on existing skills, e.g. pattern spotting and active listening. Children will leave White Court with the confidence to engage in simple conversations and will have an awareness of the language needed in a variety of situations. By offering a multi-sensory approach to learning French, all children at White Court school will have a variety of ways to access the curriculum. As subject leaders, we will be closely measuring this impact through staff and pupil views, children's work and the enjoyment of learning French across the school.
Introducing our Language Ambassadors
We are pleased to introduce this year's Language Ambassadors
from Years 4, 5 and 6
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Our ambassadors will be meeting once every half term to share ideas and help organise language projects in our school.
Watch this space! |
LANGUAGES AMBASSADOR ROLE DESCRIPTION.docx
Duolingo
From Year 4 onwards, we encourage the use of a free languages app called Duolingo. The site offers pupils the opportunity to practise their French skills in a fun way, and rewards them for their efforts with certificates and even prizes. It motivates them to continue their learning outside the classroom.
During the Autumn and Spring terms, we also run a lunchtime Duolingo club.