Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

At Smallwood, we embrace all languages and cultures within our diverse community. We believe that learning a Modern Foreign Language is an essential skill for today’s modern world.

I enjoy it when we have conversations in French.

It 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 believe that through a high quality teaching of French, pupils will be encouraged to develop further language skills in French or other languages at secondary school and beyond.  Increased capability in the use of MFL promotes initiative, confidence and independent learning and encourages diversity within society. 

At Smallwood French is taught formally in KS2 classes for 30 minutes each week. We are also increasing opportunities for children in KS1 to learn some simple vocabulary through the use of songs.

I like to learn French so I can speak a third language.

'Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.'

National Curriculum 2014

It’s good to learn another language.

 Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Overview