Improving KS2 to KS3 transfer and transition in MFL
The project is aimed at use with pupils in Year 6 and Year 7 to provide a link between the two year groups. Joint planning across the two Key Stages led to a sharp focus on the inter-relationship of strands and objectives. The teachers spent a lot of time during planning looking at how they could help pupils to improve their listening and speaking skills by developing their language learning strategies. The second stage involved looking at high frequency words to enable pupils to decode authentic French texts.

The cross-curricular approach was very beneficial. Working across the traditional subject boundaries has led to informal, enjoyable CPD, which all the teachers involved in trialling the resources state has been very beneficial e.g. the use of drama techniques and creative approaches in delivering French through art.

Pupils have applied transferable skills, for example mathematical concepts when completing the virtual tour of the theme park. History and Geography research enquiry strategies were developed also linked to the development of extended IT skills. Research into transport led to a discussion in Year 7 on environmental issues.

Impact
Year 7 pupils have demonstrated increased understanding of authentic text. KS2 teachers have indicated that the development of pupils' literacy skills has improved. Their language learning skills have increased.

All pupils involved in the drama, art and IT workshops, could see  relevance of this cross-curricular approach. Through the drama teaching techniques used, mime and then gesture with some fun elements, pupils were able to pick up vocabulary quickly.

Teachers involved in the project have increased their understanding of primary/ secondary teaching methodology which has in turn been beneficial to the pupils. The ‘embedding’ model, trying to integrate and relate language work to other areas of the curriculum has been very successful. Read more about this project (doc, 63KB)

Examples of lesson plans and resources

• Project plans and aims (doc, 43KB)
• Using drama in MFL (doc, 31KB)
• Ideas for drama lesson (doc, 25KB)
• The geography of France Yr7 lesson (ppt, 537KB)
• Learning objectives Yr7 (ppt, 930 KB)
• Lesson plan - Les Vacances (doc, 48KB)
• Les vacances activity (doc, 833KB)
• Gladiators PPT with sound files in French (ppt, 1,15MB)
• Lesson plan - Les mosaïques de l’Ile Penotte (doc, 50KB)
• Les mosaïques de l’Ile Penotte/sound files (ppt 6,98MB)

For further resources and teaching ideas please visit Stokesley School Website