STAR ALLIANCE MFL NETWORK

Who are we and what do we do? The STAR Alliance MFL Network is made up of a number of MFL Coordinators from across the STAR Alliance. These members include Primary and Secondary colleagues. We currently have 13 active members and meet each term with the main focus being that of support, subject development and the sharing of best practice.

What have we achieved so far? The MFL Network has been operating for almost two academic years. So far we have: Purchased a new, interactive scheme of work for French. Moderated work to ensure consistency and evaluate provision. Allocated a budget for resources to all schools across the STAR Alliance. Developed a more effective system of transition for Year 6 pupils. Worked in partnership with York University on a Gaming Grammar project. Year 5 French Event at Sherburn High School. Coming Soon - Age Related Assessments for Primary Languages

Scheme of work – year 3-5 iLanguages is available to schools in the STAR Alliance and aims to provide a more comprehensive and supportive scheme to aid specialist and non-specialist staff deliver an engaging and enriching language curriculum. Currently available in French for Years 3-5, it provides a different style of French teaching with a greater focus on grammar, listening and writing.

What does the scheme provide? 32 detailed lesson plans per year. Comprehensive resources for each lesson. An interactive presentation for each lesson with a native speaker to aid pronunciation. A work booklet for children to complete throughout the year. An end of year assessment involving speaking, reading, writing and listening. A more confident, skilled linguist.

Budget for resources In Autumn 2016, all schools part of the STAR Alliance were allocated £150 from the MFL Network Budget to purchase resources. Purchases included: - Accés Studio: Year 6 extension activities. Foreign Language Dictionaries Sparkle Speak resources for KS1. Foreign Language Story Books A range of other practical resources.

Gaming grammar project with york university Five schools across the STAR Alliance are currently part of a project with York University to test and evaluate a new French game designed to teach children grammar rules in a fun and engaging way. The project has involved: 4 weeks of guided lessons to ‘pre-teach’ concepts. Pre-game skills test conducted by York University. 4 weeks of playing the game. Post-game skills test conducted by York University. Feedback session from the children conducted by York University.

Year 5 french event @ SHS Year 5 children from schools across the STAR Alliance were invited to a French language event led by staff and pupils from the Language Department at Sherburn High School. Activities on the day included: Engaging vocabulary activities. Food tasting. Interactive games. The children had a fantastic day applying their language skills. We aim to hold another event in Spring 2 or Summer 1, 2018.

want to get involved? The MFL Network is open to all MFL Coordinators across the STAR Alliance. We are eager to expand the number of members in the Network. Summer 2017 Friday 16th June, 9am-12pm @ Tadcaster Grammar School. Cover will be paid for. Autumn 2017 Friday 13th October, 9am-12pm @ Athelstan CP School. Cover will not be paid for.