Languages

At Whetstone Field Primary School, children in Years 3–6 learn French as their Modern Foreign Language.

Our French curriculum is taught using Twinkl, which provides a carefully sequenced programme that progressively develops pupils’ vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

We want children to enjoy learning another language, develop confidence in communicating with others and gain an appreciation of languages and cultures beyond their own.

Intent

Our French curriculum aims to enable children to:

• develop an enthusiasm and curiosity for learning another language;
• listen attentively to spoken French and respond appropriately;
• develop accurate pronunciation and intonation;
• communicate using increasingly varied vocabulary, phrases and sentences;
• ask and answer questions in French;
• read and understand familiar words, phrases and short texts;
• write words, phrases and increasingly complex sentences;
• develop an understanding of basic French grammar;
• recognise similarities and differences between French and English;
• develop their awareness and appreciation of French-speaking cultures; and
• build secure foundations for further language learning at secondary school.

Implementation

French is taught progressively across Key Stage 2, from Year 3 to Year 6.

We use Twinkl to support the sequencing and delivery of our curriculum. Learning is organised so that children regularly revisit previously taught vocabulary and structures while progressively developing new knowledge and skills.

Lessons provide opportunities for children to develop the four key areas of language learning:

Listening – listening carefully to spoken French and identifying familiar words, phrases and meaning.

Speaking – developing confidence in pronunciation, conversation, questioning and responding.

Reading – recognising vocabulary and understanding increasingly complex phrases and texts.

Writing – moving from individual words and short phrases towards writing sentences with increasing independence.

Children also develop their understanding of French grammar, including patterns within language and how sentences are constructed.

Songs, games, repetition, conversation, reading and practical activities are used to make language learning engaging and memorable.

Progression

Our French curriculum is carefully sequenced so that knowledge builds from year to year.

In the earlier stages of Key Stage 2, children develop confidence with listening, pronunciation and essential vocabulary and begin to construct simple phrases and sentences.

As they progress through Years 5 and 6, pupils encounter a wider vocabulary, increasingly complex sentence structures, reading activities and opportunities to communicate and write with greater independence.

Previously learned vocabulary is revisited regularly so that children can retain and apply their knowledge rather than simply encountering topics once.

Assessment

Teachers assess children throughout their French lessons through questioning, conversation, listening activities, reading, written work and observation.

Assessment focuses on whether pupils can remember and apply their developing knowledge of vocabulary, pronunciation and grammatical structures, as well as their increasing ability to understand and communicate in French.

This information helps teachers identify areas that need further practice and informs future teaching.

Inclusion

We want all children to participate successfully in French.

Teaching is adapted where appropriate through strategies such as additional modelling, repetition, visual prompts, vocabulary mats, paired practice, reduced language demands and additional opportunities to rehearse vocabulary orally.

Children are supported to make progress from their individual starting points while remaining part of the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

Cultural Understanding

Learning another language is about more than learning vocabulary.

Throughout their French learning, children develop an appreciation of French language and culture and begin to understand that languages are spoken by people from a wide range of backgrounds and communities.

We aim to develop children's curiosity about the wider world and encourage positive attitudes towards other languages and cultures.