Modern foreign languages (MFL)

Curriculum Planning

Our MFL curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced to support progressive language acquisition and cultural awareness across all year groups. Leaders have designed a coherent pathway that builds pupils’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in German.

Key planning features include:

• A clear progression of language skills, vocabulary, and grammatical structures, carefully scaffolded from Nursery through Year 6.
• Use of German in everyday school routines, such as completing registers, to provide meaningful and frequent language practice.
• Interactive and engaging teaching methods, including songs, games, role-play, and multimedia resources, to motivate and support all learners.
• Integration of cultural knowledge and understanding to deepen pupils’ appreciation of German-speaking countries.
• Alignment with the school’s HEART values, encouraging honesty in communication, respect for cultural diversity, accountability in learning, and trust in collaborative language activities.

Teaching Approach

Teaching in MFL at Chiseldon is lively, inclusive, and focused on meaningful communication. Teachers and language specialists employ:

• Immersive language teaching techniques that prioritise listening and speaking skills alongside reading and writing.
• Use of repetition and revision to reinforce vocabulary and structures, ensuring secure retention.
• Differentiated activities to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, enabling confident participation.
• Opportunities for pupils to practise language in authentic contexts and through purposeful tasks.
• Regular assessment and feedback to support language development and identify next steps.

Cultural Engagement & Enrichment

We believe that cultural experiences are essential to language learning. Our programme includes:

• A penpal partnership with the International School of Berlin, where Year 6 pupils exchange letters and build friendships in German.
• An annual trip to Berlin for Year 6 pupils to meet their penpals, participate in lessons at the partner school, and explore the city’s cultural and historical sites.
• Classroom activities and celebrations that introduce pupils to German traditions, festivals, and everyday life.
• Use of authentic materials and media to bring the German language and culture to life.

Fostering Language Confidence & Global Citizenship

MFL at Chiseldon supports pupils in becoming confident communicators and culturally aware global citizens. We:

• Promote the school’s HEART values through language learning, encouraging honesty in expression, respect for cultural differences, accountability in language use, and trust in collaborative learning.
• Encourage pupils to develop curiosity and openness towards other cultures and languages.
• Support pupils in understanding the value of multilingualism for personal, academic, and future career opportunities.
• Celebrate pupils’ language achievements and cultural explorations, fostering pride and motivation.

Assessment

Assessment in MFL is continuous and multifaceted, focusing on language skills, vocabulary acquisition, and cultural understanding. Our approach includes:

• Formative assessment through observation, oral practice, and interactive activities.
• Use of language portfolios and recordings to document progression in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Summative assessment aligned with curriculum goals to ensure pupils meet expected standards in German language competence.
• Opportunities for pupils to self-assess and set personal language learning goals, fostering self-regulation and motivation.

This assessment framework supports personalised language development and helps pupils thrive as confident, enthusiastic language learners.