Modern Foreign Languages

Intent

 At Liphook Federation, pupils begin learning French in Year 2 and experience taster sessions in Mandarin in Year 4. Language learning broadens horizons, sparks curiosity, and deepens cultural understanding. Our curriculum is inclusive, ensuring every pupil can access and enjoy learning. We prioritise spoken communication while also developing reading and writing skills, helping pupils express themselves confidently and clearly in another language.

Implementation

Languages are taught by a specialist teacher following a clear progression model. French is introduced in Year 2 through interactive approaches such as songs, stories, role play, and games. As children move through the junior school, lessons encourage confident speaking and active listening, while gradually building reading and writing skills. Knowledge is carefully sequenced so pupils revisit and build on prior learning, moving from simple words and phrases to more complex grammar and sentence structures. This progression includes:

• Vocabulary: Words and phrases for everyday topics (e.g., greetings, numbers, colours, food).
• Grammar structures: Gender, verb conjugations, sentence patterns.
• Phonics and pronunciation rules: How sounds are formed and spoken correctly.
• Cultural knowledge: Facts about French-speaking countries, traditions, and customs.

In Year 4, pupils also learn Mandarin, enriching their experience and preparing them for future study. Both languages adapt to individual needs so every pupil can succeed.

Impact

By Year 6, pupils can communicate confidently in French for practical purposes, write simple texts, and demonstrate cultural understanding. They leave with strong foundations for further language study, an appreciation of diversity, and the confidence to express themselves clearly in another language.

• MFL long term plan
• MFL progression document