Italian (MFL)

Ciao! Italian at Nash Mills!

Led by Mr Maher

At Nash Mills, we are determined to ensure each child receives high quality MFL teaching so that they are ready to be part of our wider world. From September 2022, we have made the decision to teach all pupils Italian, working in partnership with the Italian embassy. We have chosen to do this to provide pupils with access to high-quality teaching whilst learning a language that has strong roots in English and other European languages. In teaching a language not taught at any local secondary school, we will also be helping pupils to broaden their experiences and not get 'bored' by repeating things learnt when they arrive in Year 7, as has been fed back by past pupils.

Italian is taught to children throughout the school by a specialist Italian teacher. The development of speaking and listening skills is key across the entire age range, and to this end, songs, games and role play feature highly. As children progress through Key Stage 2, the skills of reading and writing become increasingly important. Not only do they serve to help children memorise new language, but they also enable links to be made with grammar learned in the English curriculum. It is exciting to watch children discover that they can make use of their grammatical knowledge in another language.

Statement of Intent

We believe in the importance of modern foreign languages in developing children’s linguistic competence and this is seen as a lifelong skill. Learning a language opens up avenues of communication and exploration as well as promotes, encourages and instils a broader cultural understanding and respect.

To develop in children an enthusiastic, positive and respectful attitude to other languages and language learning in English, including studying etymology and word roots.
For children to develop language skills and language learning skills
To raise awareness of aspects of children’s own language and make comparisons with the foreign language, thereby enriching their understanding of both
For children to become increasingly familiar with the sounds and written form of a modern foreign language
For children to enjoy success and develop endurance in learning a new language
For children to use their knowledge with growing confidence and competence to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and in writing as well as ask questions
To increase cultural understanding by learning about different countries and their people, and working with written materials from those countries and communities
For children to form a sound basis for further language learning at Key Stage 3 and beyond.

Implementation

Lesson plans follow a combination of the lead teacher’s own planning and the Language Angels scheme for Italian and are designed to meet the attainment targets of the KS2 Languages Programme of Study.

Children:

learn in a non-threatening environment which builds upon positive achievement
experience a range of activities, including songs, rhymes and games, which provide a stimulating and varied approach to language learning
are given opportunities to listen to the teacher, to songs and rhymes, to each other and to native speakers
apply their learning by reproducing sounds themselves and creating phrases and sentences
develop phonic knowledge about the language
begin to recognise and read words that they have already encountered in the development of their oracy skills
write simple words and phrases using a model and, with increased competence, write more complex sentences on a range of topics, some from memory
develop the ability to recognise rules or patterns in a new language and relate it to their existing understanding of their own language(s)
gain an understanding of another culture and learn to look at things from another person’s perspective.
show an awareness of and respect for the similarities and differences between people and appreciate the diversity of languages spoken within the school
use their knowledge about the way language works and apply their knowledge when learning a new language
become aware of how they learn and be able to plan to use specific strategies for particular tasks.

Impact

Through the high quality first teaching of Italian taking place we will see the impact of the subject in the following ways:

Children will become aware that a language has a structure, and that the structure differs from one language to another.
Children will develop their language and communication through development of the four key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Children will enrich their language learning by developing an understanding of the Italian culture.
Children will transfer to KS3 effectively and successfully and will be well prepared to continue and develop their language skills.

Assessment is based on:

class observations of listening and speaking activities
written evidence in books and teacher feedback
Language Angels’ assessments in speaking/listening/reading/writing for certain units, where appropriate

The National Curriculum aims for MFL are that pupils should be taught about:

listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help*
speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures
develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases*
present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences*
read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language
broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary
write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly
describe people, places, things and actions orally* and in writing
understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English

Sequencing of Content

The curriculum follows the scheme outlined by the Italian embassy, which ensures that key vocabulary, skills and concepts are shared and revisited at regular intervals. The curriculum is progressive, allowing all pupils the opportunity to overlearn and revisit concepts to aid learning memory.

Inclusion

The scheme provides learning in a number of multi-sensory ways to meet the varied needs of learners. This includes recordings and songs as well as written and repeated speech.

Having a specialist teacher means that learning can be easily adapted to meet the needs of pupils and teachers can be present to support all pupils.

How we add richness through discussion and cultural capital

We have planned Italian enrichment days where pupils will have the opportunity to develop their language skills. In addition, pupils lower down the school have the opportunity to see and hear some Italian through videos shared.

It is our intention to develop links with an Italian school in time.

How this subject supports our Christian vision

Learning another language is a vital skill in being part of our wider world and appreciating everyone regardless of differences. Knowing about the Italian language and culture is a key way of learning how other people live.