Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

The main aim of teaching modern foreign languages (MFL) is to develop children's linguistic competence in a language other than their mother tongue. Regular lessons ensure that previously learnt language can be reinforced and that students can build on this and make good progress.

The teaching of Urdu at Key Stages 1 and 2 and French at Key Stage 2 offers opportunities for children to:

  • become increasingly familiar with the sounds and written form of a modern foreign language;
  • develop language skills and language-learning skills;
  • understand and communicate in a new language;
  • make comparisons between the foreign language and English or another language;
  • increase their cultural awareness by learning about different countries and their people; and work with materials from those countries and communities;
  • foster positive attitudes towards foreign language learning;
  • use their knowledge with growing confidence and competence to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and in writing;
  • form a sound basis for further study at Key Stage 3 and beyond.