At Edge Grove, we take great pride in our comprehensive approach to language education. Our pupils are very fortunate and begin their MFL journey in Reception; they are exposed to both French and Spanish from year 1 to year 5, and in order to reach a good proficiency they choose one language from year 6 to year 8. Once our pupils join Year 6, their window of opportunity expands even further, with the introduction of Latin and a variety of language clubs.
In the Junior Department, our focus is on building a solid foundation in language learning. Through immersive activities, songs and interactive games, pupils are introduced to basic vocabulary and expressions. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and listening skills, setting the stage for future language acquisition.
As pupils progress into Year 3 and Year 4, they embark on a more structured exploration of both French and Spanish languages. Through engaging lessons, they spend more time on vocabulary and sentence structures as well as simple conversations. Cultural elements are woven into the curriculum, allowing them to appreciate the rich tapestry of the languages they are studying.
In Year 5, pupils consolidate their knowledge and begin to express themselves with greater confidence. They tackle more complex grammar concepts, engage in dialogues and work on reading and writing exercises.
Once they reach our Senior Department, pupils are encouraged to refine their speaking, listening, writing and comprehension skills through discussions, presentations, and more advanced coursework. By this stage, many pupils achieve a commendable level of fluency, setting the stage for continued language development in secondary education.
From the earliest years in Reception to the culminating stage in Year 8, at Edge Grove we are committed to fostering linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. We encourage pupils to keep exploring languages and cultures, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it is becoming a French or Spanish pro, or even having a blast singing along to international songs and playing games from different cultures – we are here for it!
