MFL Lead: Cherie Robertson-Jones

LGB MFL Lead: Sue Evans

Intent

At Leiston Primary School we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.

Through a combination of oral activities, daily conversation, reading and writing, pupils learn to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings, in speech and writing.

Implementation

In Key Stage 2, pupils learn French, following the ‘Rigolo’ scheme of work. In discreet weekly lessons, traditional methods of language learning are combined alongside the use of multimedia materials. Through stories, songs and games, pupils learn how to develop accurate pronunciation and intonation and read aloud using familiar words and phrases. The children will learn to read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing, broaden their vocabulary, write phrases from memory, describe people, places, things and actions and understand basic grammar.

Where possible, we also incorporate the learning of French into our topics to further develop learning and language skills.

Children across the school are encouraged to use spoken French in their classroom routines. Although MFL is not mandatory in Key Stage 1, pupils learn words and phrases from a variety of languages, giving them an insight into languages before Key Stage 2. French vocabulary is also displayed around communal areas of the school.

In the Spring Term 2025, pupils at Leiston Primary school spent an impressive combined total of 108 hours and 11 minutes learning languages in their spare time on Duolingo!

This learning happened in 12 different languages!

A huge well done to every single pupil who has dedicated time to Duolingo.

If you want to join the fun and be rewarded for your efforts then please register your own profile and then connect to the correct duolingo classroom below:

Year 1: YMVDGY

Year 2: UUNGWM

Year 3: DQUGAM

Year 4: YXPKMZ

Year 5: YVGJBK

Year 6: XAGMKJ

If you need any support with connecting to a year group, please contact Mrs Robertson-Jones at Robertson.lei@avocetacademy.org

A fantastic example of the stories written by year 5.

Year 3/4 researched how to get to France before boarding a plane to visit Paris for the day! They saw the sights of Paris, experienced French Christmas traditions and ate 'bûche de Noël'.

Year 6 enjoyed a French cafe morning. They were fantastic at using the French language to serve each other, they created their own French menu's and enjoyed a variety of French themed foods.