Modern Foreign Language
Our aim at Burlington Junior School is to enable pupils to enjoy enrichment experiences, develop rich vocabulary and to respect diversity and individuality.
The teaching of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) is an important part of this. We aim to inspire curiosity and a love of languages that pupils will strengthen and develop as they progress through our school.
Pupils should be able to extend their knowledge of how language works and explore the differences between how the French and English languages are structured.
Year 3
Year 3 covers six French topics across the year, each designed to build vocabulary, improve spelling, and develop speaking skills. The first topic introduces France and key vocabulary that supports learning throughout their French journey. In the autumn term, pupils study I Am Learning French and Animals. In spring, they move on to Instruments and I Am Able.... In summer, the focus shifts to Ice Creams and Fruits.
"I think French is good because if you visit Paris, you would be able to ask for things in their own language." - Rosie, Year 3.
"I think French is a nice lesson, its important to learn to speak a different language." - Ciaran, Year 3.
"I like French because it's interesting, you get to learn words you didn’t know before" - Helena, year 3.
Year 4
Year 4 covers six French topics throughout the year, each building on prior learning to deepen understanding, expand vocabulary, and develop spelling and speaking skills. In the autumn term, pupils focus on Presenting Myself and My Family. In spring, they explore Habitats and In the Classroom. In summer, the topics are At the Tea Room and What Is the Weather?
"I like French because I enjoy learning a different language and it means I can speak to people in their own language if I visit that country" - Brody, Year 4.
"I like French, it means I can understand a different language and know what they say to me." - Maya, Year 4.
Year 5
Year 5 covers six engaging French topics throughout the year, each designed to build on previous learning and deepen pupils’ understanding of the language. These topics help broaden vocabulary and improve spelling, while giving regular opportunities to practise speaking in context. In the autumn term, pupils focus on Do You Have a Pet? and The Date, learning how to talk about animals and express days, months, and birthdays. In the spring term, they move on to My Home and Clothes, developing the language to describe their living space and what they wear. In the summer term, pupils explore The Olympics and Romans, combining language learning with cultural and historical knowledge to enhance both fluency and understanding.
"Bonjour, Je m’appelle Bryony. J’ai neuf ans. French is my favourite subject. I find it really interesting." - Bryony, Year 5.
"Bonjour, Je m’appelle Molly. J’ai dix ans. I enjoy our French lessons especially the food ones." - Molly, Year 5.
Year 6
Year 6 covers three key French topics throughout the year, each building on prior learning to strengthen pupils’ vocabulary, spelling, and speaking skills. These topics allow pupils to apply their knowledge in more complex and meaningful contexts. In the autumn term, they focus on At School, learning to describe school routines, subjects, and classroom objects. In the spring term, they explore World War 2, using historical context to expand their language skills while making cross-curricular links. In the summer term, the focus is on Healthy Lifestyle, where pupils learn to talk about food, exercise, and making healthy choices in French.
"I like French because some words are similar to ours so they are easy to remember." - Iyla, Year 6.
"I enjoy our French lessons; I like learning a new language. I liked learning about the clothes." - Blossom, Year 6.