MFL
Context
At Fairfield, Modern Languages develops pupils’ confidence to communicate and their curiosity about other cultures. Through French and German, pupils build the knowledge needed to understand and express ideas in another language. We want them to appreciate different perspectives and see language learning as valuable for travel, further study, employment and everyday connections.
Our curriculum develops vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation in a carefully planned sequence. Pupils revisit this knowledge through listening, speaking, reading and writing, becoming increasingly confident in communicating their own thoughts. Exploring authentic materials and the cultures of communities where the languages are spoken helps pupils connect their learning with the wider world.
An Inclusive Curriculum
Our Modern Languages curriculum is designed to support pupils with different starting points to participate and succeed. Carefully sequenced learning, appropriate support and challenge help pupils build knowledge over time. Exposure to a range of cultures and perspectives develops intercultural understanding, while high expectations encourage all pupils to become confident and informed communicators.
Powerful Knowledge
Vocabulary, grammar and phonics form the foundations of language learning. Pupils learn how sounds and spelling connect, how sentences are constructed and how words communicate meaning in different contexts. Regularly revisiting these elements helps them understand increasingly complex language, express their ideas more independently and make connections between language, culture and communication.
Assessment
Assessment checks listening, speaking, reading and writing, alongside knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Regular classroom checks and planned assessments help teachers identify strengths, misconceptions and areas requiring further practice. Vocabulary lists, revision guidance and opportunities to rehearse prepare pupils for assessments, while the findings inform teaching, additional support and appropriate challenge.
Feedback
Feedback is a regular part of language learning, helping pupils recognise and correct errors in pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. Teachers provide verbal guidance during lessons and written feedback on selected work and assessments. Pupils use this advice to improve responses, redraft writing and revisit unfamiliar language, developing greater accuracy and confidence over time.
Expert Teaching
Teachers explain new language clearly and model how it is used before pupils practise independently, in pairs or in groups. Examples remain available for reference, while purposeful games and challenges reinforce vocabulary and structures. Questioning identifies misunderstandings, and regular feedback helps pupils refine their spoken and written language as their knowledge grows.
Literacy
Reading and speaking are central to Modern Languages. Pupils explore authentic texts, learn grammatical terminology and use glossaries to support understanding. Regular opportunities to speak in the language being studied develop pronunciation and confidence, while discussion of language choices helps pupils understand how meaning is communicated and apply this understanding in their own writing.
Supporting Pupils with SEND
Teachers use Individual Support Plans and work with SEND colleagues to adapt language learning to pupils’ needs. Key content is broken into manageable steps, with important knowledge secured before more complex structures are introduced. Repeated practice and clear models help pupils with special educational needs and disabilities build confidence and participate in the full range of language activities.
Home Learning
Weekly home learning, set through Microsoft Teams, develops vocabulary and reinforces classroom learning. Activities include vocabulary practice and online grammar, listening and reading tasks through resources such as Languagenut and Active Hub. Revisiting earlier language alongside current topics helps pupils strengthen recall and build the secure foundations needed for increasingly independent communication.
Careers
Modern Languages develops communication, cultural understanding and the confidence to engage with people from different backgrounds. These skills support further language study and can complement pathways in international business, tourism, education and translation. Understanding how language works and adapting communication to different audiences also provides valuable foundations for employment in many sectors.
