Teaching and Learning

Generic elements of best practice should include:

• High pupil involvement, lots of interaction and active learning
• Repetition and revision of previously learnt language skills
• Use of target language at appropriate frequencies
• Use of FL in a meaningful way, in a context that children understand
• A wide variety of activities and resources to make learning engaging and enjoyable
• Cross-curricular work – meaningful relationships/connections with other subjects

 Other elements of best practice which might not be evident in every lesson:

• Teaching of the four language skills
• Cultural input used to promote intercultural understanding
• Target language used to enhance children’s understanding of their own language
• Children’s reflection on the strategies they use to learn a new language

Practical implementation

Embed FL in daily classroom routines and daily life:

• Support ethos of the school, e.g saying prayers
• Integrate FL in school life, eg assemblies, celebrations etc.

Integrate FL into the whole school curriculum:

• Focus on linking FL to Literacy
• Develop cross-curricular links

Use of innovative models of teaching and learning, for example:

• Cumbria method – getting pupils to talk in the FL
• Teaching FL through drama, ICT, music, etc.
• Bilingual/Immersion models

Consider a very early start:

• EYFS

Multilingual and multicultural focus

Involving parents of EAL children

• KS1

Focus on phonics

Assessment and meaningful targets

Assessment is an integral part of learning and teaching:

• Children reflecting on their own learning through self and peer assessment
• Children having a clear idea of how well they are progressing in the four language skills and how they can improve

Assessment is child-friendly and reflects national levels (Languages Ladder):

• Children taking part in Borough’s Junior Language Badge Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold)