PLANS FOR THE 2021/22 SCHOOL YEAR

From September 2021, we have switched from Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) to Ancient Foreign Languages (AFL) in KS2.  This means that we have switched from teaching French to teaching Latin in years 3 - 6.  (There is also the option to have one term of Ancient Greek in Year 4, to tie in with the Ancient Greece topic.)

All planning, resources and training have been provided by an organisation called Classics for All .

The rationale for this change is:

- to provide children with the building blocks for a wide range of modern European languages, which children will learn in secondary school

- to develop a greater understanding of the English language through exploring etymology and morphology of language, and thus instilling confidence in using such language

- to widen knowledge of vocabulary - particularly tier 2 and 3 words

- to develop further cultural context for subjects across the curriculum - especially English, history, science and R.E

- to raise aspirations - showing children that one doesn't have to go to a grammar school or private school to study classics

Intent - What are we trying to achieve?

All pupils at Yealmpstone Farm have the right to a rich and deep learning experience that includes the learning of the basics of an additional language. The study of languages prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly carried out in languages other than English.  Pupils use language to communicate information responsibly and creatively; learning how to use languages to enable access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures across our school and wider demographic. In addition, understanding an ancient foreign language increases a child’s understanding of their own language and the building blocks which form this. The process of learning a foreign language reinforces fluency and understanding of grammar, syntax, sentence structure and verbal precision. Increased capability in the use of languages can also promote initiative and independent learning and encourages diversity within society.

We teach a curriculum that enables our pupils to become effective users of language, and show an understanding and respect of different cultures in our local, national and global communities.

Through the teaching of Latin at Yealmpstone Farm, we aim to:

• Ensure every child has the opportunity, throughout Key Stage 2, to study Latin as an ancient foreign language; developing their interest in the culture of other nations, communities and beliefs.
• Ensure pupils have access to high-quality teaching and learning opportunities.
• Ensure pupils have exposure to simple words and phrases, 
• Ensure pupils develop an increased wider cultural understanding through our enriched and varied curriculum to which languages contribute.
• Provide language informed by the National Curriculum and the skills expressed in this: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Cultural Understanding.

Implementation - How will we achieve this?

Teachers have access to a comprehensive scheme of work - Classics for All– which is an engaging and accessible course combining foundation Latin language learning with work on classical civilisation and culture. A range of materials including: Power points, worksheets for students and teaching guides are provided. We also ensure that the work links in with other curriculum areas in history we are covering.

Impact - What difference this will make?

At YFPS, we seek to:

• raise pupils’ aspirations and achievement. Widening access to classical subjects can help to break the link between educational opportunity and disadvantage, giving pupils the confidence to progress to higher education.
• support language skills for pupils of all abilities, encouraging a structured approach to grammar and a strong foundation for literacy and learning modern foreign languages.
• encourage cultural insight and awareness, offering pupils new perspectives on contemporary issues.