French
Modern Foreign Language
“You live a new life for every language you speak. If you only know one language, you only live once.”
Czech Proverb
French
At Bowness, we recognise teaching modern foreign languages is an essential part of a broad balanced curriculum. It helps the children understand what it is to be a global citizen. Primary schools have a legal obligation to teach languages but we do not see it as an obligation but a chance to develop our understanding of the world. As Nelson Mandela said, “ If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language that goes to his heart.”
At Bowness, we specialise in French, with weekly French lessons in Key Stage 2, but we embrace all languages and thrive in expanding our MFL vocabulary. Teaching modern foreign languages within our school also helps with the progression of language skills as the children move onto their secondary education.
At Bowness Primary School, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our MFL key concepts and ideas are:
- Children will have the ability to engage with and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in conversation with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity.
- Children will read and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing, broadening their vocabulary.
- Children will write at varying lengths for different purposes and audiences, using a variety of grammatical structures.
- Children will develop skills and knowledge, self-efficacy, curiosity and an understanding of diversity and tolerance of other cultures.
- Children will have a greater knowledge of the potential career opportunities available to them, broaden their horizons and gain an understanding that jobs and careers are not bound by social mobility or gender stereotypes.
Characteristics of a Linguist
- The confidence to speak with good intonation and pronunciation.
- Fluency in reading.
- Fluency and imagination in writing.
- A strong awareness of the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.
- A passion for languages and a commitment to the subject.
- The ability to use language creatively and spontaneously.
- An independence in their studies and the ability to draw upon a wide range of resources.
Aspirations for the Future
Pupils develop an understanding of how subjects and specific skills are linked to future jobs.
Here are some of the jobs you could aspire to do in the future as a Linguist:
- Attractions manager
- Teachers in other countries
- Chefs
- Hotel managers
- Leisure and tourism
- International law