Modern Foreign Languages

Intent

Our intent is to provide all of our children with a high-quality education in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), which will develop their love of lifelong learning about other languages and cultures. Many of our children are already bilingual and we aim for them to be multilingual as we teach them Arabic. Our intention is to ensure that by the end of our children’s primary education, they have acquired an understanding of both spoken and written Arabic, confidence to speak in Arabic with others and know how important languages can be in their future.

Through the teaching of Arabic, we aim for our pupils to:

• Be engaged and inspired to learn the language in a fun and immersive way.
• Develop not only their language skills, but also their love of learning a language.
• Achieve together and share their learning through conversation with each other.

Research has shown that children who learn a language at a young age are more likely to learn other languages as well as travel to other countries. Learning different languages will raise aspirations for all our children.

Implementation

Arabic is taught across Key Stage 2 on a weekly basis. This year, we have a specialist Arabic teacher, who will cover a wide range of topics designed to engage and inspire children.

Arabic is taught in a systematic and engaging manner; with a huge focus on practical tasks, such as drama, storytelling, role-play, speaking and listening. At the beginning of each session, children are supported to recall knowledge from previous sessions. With the aim of giving children the ability to speak confidently in Arabic, all sessions involve plenty of time for oral rehearsal and conversations in pairs or small groups. Teachers encourage children to use gestures or actions to aid their understanding. To consolidate learning and promote quick recall, children often play games which include new grammar and vocabulary from the lesson.

Formative assessment centres around questioning and verbal discussion, as well as written work in books.

Impact

Through the high quality first teaching of Arabic taking place, we will see the impact of the subject in the following ways:

• Children will become aware that a language has a structure, and that the structure differs from one language to another.
• Children will develop their language and communication through development of the four key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
• Children will enrich their language learning by developing an understanding of the Arabic culture.

Pupil Voice

“Learning a language is helpful if you go to a different country.”  Year 6 child.

“Now I can talk to my Arabic speaking friends in their language!” Year 4 child.

“Learning Arabic is really fun!” Year 3 child.