What's New
March 2013
Comic Relief Red Nose Day - 15th March 2013
As Comic Relief Day is nigh....
The following link might be of use:
It has ready made jokes in the TL- French, Spanish and Italian (sadly no German).
However, this site has some German:
The site below shows a video It states:''It is comedian Henning Wehn's job to make people laugh in both English and German. Henning tries a few classic English and German jokes to see which is funnier. He goes on to explain the rules of German humour and gives a few more examples of jokes to try.''
Firther Red Nose day resources can be found on the TES website:
You could organise a jokeathon (sponsored or not) within your class, between groups or inter class/inter form/in an assembly and so on.
They have ppts (as well as worksheets) on the Euroclub site to show the jokes, or students could access them from home for extended learning- choose one, learn it and present it in class/assembly wearing their red nose.
Other students can vote for the best or say what they thought of each joke ( C'etait amusant/atroce etc)
Have fun!
Jackie Rayment
MFL Adviser
February 2013
Plans for Languages in Key Stage 2 New
The Government has decided to make foreign languages a compulsory subject within the National Curriculum at Key Stage 2 from September 2014. In addition, the Government has decided to require primary schools to teach either French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin or Ancient Greek at Key Stage 2 (with the option to teach another language or languages in addition, should they wish to do so).
It sees this as the most sensible approach to establishing the range of languages on offer at Key Stage 2, as it broadly reflects the languages that primary schools intended to teach, as indicated in responses to the original consultation. It is working with stakeholders such as publishers, educational suppliers, teaching schools and subject associations to make sure that support and models of Key Stage 2 language teaching become available for schools.
The Teaching Agency is also working with Initial Teacher Training providers to influence training from 2013/2014 onwards and they will consider the possible demand for primary teachers with a language specialism.
Update on the Future of MFL -
February 2013 New
The Secretary of State has stated that all of the existing subjects in the National Curriculum will be retained at the same key stages as now, and that the teaching of languages will be added at Key Stage 2.
There will be a public consultation
on the draft National Curriculum from 07 February 2013 – 16 April 2013.
The new National Curriculum will be available in Autumn 2013 for first teaching in schools from September 2014.
Draft programmes of study for all National Curriculum subjects in Key Stages 1 to 3 have now been published for consultation:
For languages, the DfE is proposing the introduction of new, shorter programmes of study, focused on the essential knowledge and skills to be taught in each subject, which it hopes will give schools more freedom to develop their own curriculums in a way that best meet the needs of their pupils.
Plans for Changes to Secondary School Accountability
This consultation proposes changes to the existing secondary school performance measures, which will reflect the significant reforms to GCSEs, and seeks views on the publication of other data which could strengthen the secondary accountability system. The government intends to replace the accountability measure of 5 A*-C GCSEs.
They propose using an attainment measure based on each pupil’s average score across eight qualifications, which consist of English and Maths plus any combination of three other current EBacc subjects (combined science, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, geography, history and languages); and then three further ‘academic’ subjects, arts subjects or vocational qualifications. The average of all pupils’ scores in these eight qualifications will be published in league tables.
You can find further details about the consultation here:
Summer 2013 MFL Courses New
Download a list of the Summer 2013 MFL primary and secondary training and CPD courses:
December 2012
Useful links for christmas related teaching resources:
Additional DfE consultation on language learning at KS2
New Ofsted Languages Subject Guidance
The new languages subject guidance has just
been published to match the new Ofsted
framework. The message about the use of target language
by students is very clear.
Generic Grade Descriptors and Supplementary Subject-specific Guidance for Inspectors on Making Judgements During Subject Survey Visits to Schools (October 2012)
November 2012
DfE Making Foreign Languages Statutory for Key Stage 2 and Requiring Schools to Teach One or More of Seven languages
This consultation seeks views on the draft Order making modern foreign languages statutory for Key Stage 2; and a proposal that requires schools teach one or more of seven languages at Key Stage 2. The deadline date is 16th December 2012.
September 2012 - KS2-3
Languages in Key Stage 2 to become Statutory from 2014
Letter from County MFL Adviser to Secondary Heads to update on developments in Primary Languages and to highlight the key implications of these for Secondary schools.
6 July 2012
DfE
Making Foreign Languages Compulsory at Key Stage 2
This consultation seeks views on the government's proposal to make teaching of a foreign language compulsory at Key Stage 2, from Year 3 to Year 6. Closing date 28th September 2012.
June 2012
Free Trial of Language Angel Teaching Resources - Olympics
 Step Up To Languages are encouraging all Hertfordshire schools to take a free trial of their Language Angel teaching resources.
You will get immediate and completely FREE access to their entire Olympics unit in French, Spanish or Italian for a whole month. Visit:
There are six fun, interactive lessons all based around the Olympics. Teach the Ancient Olympics, the story of the Modern Olympics and then introduce a range of Olympic sports and famous Olympians. Perfect material for the remainder of this summer term. Suitable for key stages 2 and 3.
In addition to this free trial Step Up To Languages are also offering all Hertfordshire schools double credits with any subscription plan purchase.
e.g. A one unit subscription plan (enough for a complete half-term of language teaching) normally includes 6 credits at a cost of £35.00. For Hertfordshire schools the number of credits will be doubled – taking the credits in this package to 12 for the same £35.00 price. This applies to all of the credit packages bought by Hertfordshire schools.
All you need to successfully teach with Language Angel resources is an internet connection. All resources include:
- Interactive PowerPoints (with all instances of the foreign language pre-recorded using a native speaker and fully controlled by the teacher).
- A full range of interactive games for the IWB.
- Detailed lesson plans.
- Comprehensive teacher support notes.
- Worksheets differentiated by outcome for whole class involvement.
- End of unit assessments.
No need for any language expertise. No need for any lesson planning. No need for any stress or worry.
Fantastic language lessons immediately. Quick, effective and simple.
June 2012
The torch is lit …70 days to go…..and counting!
- What will you be doing for the Olympics in the summer term?
- Celebrate the arrival of the torch in your area!
- Why not run your own MFL Mini Olympics?
See our MFL Mini Olympics- a quick guide to running your own event using the exciting and innovative On Track, a time-saving, one-stop collection of 30 inspirational ideas and activities that can be used with all key stages.
March 2012
'On Track' has won a Primary Languages Classroom Award 2012
The Primary Languages Classroom Awards (PLCA) celebrate the exceptional work of teachers throughout the UK in promoting language development at primary level, including the support of English as an additional language (EAL). More...
February 2012
Olympic Web Links
A whole range of websites and resources, specially created for use in the MFL classroom. Some are ideas-based and others offer excellent resources that you can simply download and use. More...
November 2011
‘On Your Marks...Get set...Go!
Jackie Rayment – MFL Adviser for Hertfordshire refers to the On Track Resource Pack that combines French language learning at all levels with sports-related activities. She provides a brief introduction to this resource which has been inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
 "Whatever your age, active language learning is fun and improves retention and recall. Linked by a common sporting theme, the games and activities will engage and motivate language learners by providing physical and mental challenge as they hear and speak French and explore aspects of different cultures.
"As well as enhancing language skills, the activities are intended to promote the sporting values of teamwork, perseverance, self-confidence and inter-personal skills, in addition to global citizenship. The activities can be adapted to focus on different areas of language at varying levels of complexity and could be conducted in languages other than French. Whilst these kinaesthetic activities are suitable for all ages and abilities, some of the more challenging differentiated and Going for Gold ideas are more suitable for upper Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
"A free CD accompanies the book of activities with a pronunciation guide for non-specialists and a wealth of resources to support the activities, many of which could be led by language or sports leaders working with younger pupils."
‘Sport can offer a really motivating focus for language work and there are examples of good practice where this has occurred effectively.’
As featured in:
October 2011 - KS2-3
Strengthening Links between KS2 and KS3 - Language Leaders at Roundwood Park School run Primary Languages Fair
 Roundwood Park School in Harpenden ran their first Primary Languages Fair in July 2011, inviting 120 pupils from nearby primary schools to take part in a series of language and culture-based activities.
Preparations for this day were a little different to usual, as the organisation of the fair was the responsibility of the Language Leaders Team, which is made up of 12 students from Yrs 9 and 10.
Throughout the morning the Yr 5 pupils made their own baguettes, played language games, learned origami, danced the salsa and practised a German song. The pupils enjoyed a break in the French café, where they had the opportunity to order their croissants or brioche in French and listen to a very talented Yr 8 pianist.
The Language Leaders Team is Roundwood Park’s second cohort of students who, as part of their course, have successfully supported Modern Foreign Language (MFL) learning in the nearby primary schools. The Language Leader Award, accredited by Sports Leaders UK, aims to develop leadership skills in students through MFL and leaders are trained through a series of workshops and MFL learning events. It is a perfect way to strengthen links between KS2 & KS3 MFL, whilst improving the leadership skills of the school’s own students.
The school has seen a sustained impact on National Curriculum levels achieved in French at entry into Year 7 over the past three years, due in part to the MFL department’s commitment to supporting primary teachers with schemes of work, resources and lesson delivery. Year upon year, the students are arriving in Year 7 with higher levels of competence in French.
Feedback from the primary teachers suggests that KS2 pupils respond very well to MFL lessons delivered by the Language Leader team, which are very much in demand.
For further information about setting up a Language Leaders course, PMFL support or further detail on outcomes, please contact Laura Davies daviesl@roundwoodpark.herts.sch.uk
October 2011 - KS3
Medals for Learning - Re engaging hard to reach pupils in language learning
The Leventhorpe School and The John Warner School case study. The aim of this exciting project, funded by ALL and Links into Languages, was to develop pupils’ target language and communication skills in a P.E environment to improve confidence in speaking and listening.
Strategic Learning Networks
A Strategic Learning Network is a MFL research community comprising a lively, enthusiastic and dedicated team of MFL teachers who are all at different stages of their careers. This group engenders research and shares good practice. It also provides a vehicle for teachers to review and reflect upon their own classroom practice. More...
News from ALL and CILT
Association for Language Learning - News and Events available on their website:
The National Centre for Languages - News and Events
Information about Foreign Language Assistants
- FLA's work from 1 October to 31 May. FLAs must work a total of 12
hours. You can negotiate for them to work extra hours for extra pay
on their
arrival if so they wish - and they usually do!
- FLA's are entitled to a full day off each week.
- If you share an assistant, please plan their timetable carefully
so that travelling is kept to a minimum.
- If shared, only the host school receives the FLA’s dossier.
Please get in touch with your partner school to let them know what
is going on.
Please contact the assistant before the summer holidays to avoid any
unnecessary anxiety and sort out some temporary accommodation.
- In the case of shared assistants they should spend their first
two weeks in the host school to have more of a chance to settle
in.
- Assistants should be allowed a period of 3 to five days’ observation.
- Assistants should not take sole responsibility for whole classes
and should not be responsible for marking pupils’ work.
- Finally, it is the responsibility of the host school to find
some accommodation for the assistant.
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