Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

pupils in classroom When our pupils come to the school at the beginning of year 6, they have, at present, varied experience of learning a modern language. Our aim at KMS is to foster the enjoyment already initiated in the First Schools, developing the skills further through song, rhyme and games. Writing skills are introduced, for many for the first time. Pupils are encouraged to buy a subscription to La Petite Presse, which we believe offers excellent opportunities to develop reading skills whilst providing the sort of magazines they like to read at home. Copies are also available to read in the Learning Resources Area. At KS3 pupils develop skills so that they become more confident and independent language learners. A wide range of resources is used to fire the imagination of the pupils, and a typical lesson may involve pupils carrying out surveys, listening to recorded language, playing games on the Interactive Whiteboard, using thinking skills to work out odd-ones-out or to play battleships with learnt language, or battling against each other to be the first to work out a chosen phrase. The French department uses a wide-range of computer software and Internet resources to bring the language alive. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are developed in mixed skill activities. Pupils are given an insight into French culture, improve comprehension skills and, through pair and role play situations, acquire fluency in speaking. Pupils can correspond with a French penfriend, read French magazines (subscriptions to Allons-y and Bonjour are offered and encouraged, see useful links below) and there are opportunities to visit France itself. Pupils are offered the chance to visit Chateau Beaumont in Basse-Normandie towards the end of year 7.