Modern Foreign Language - French

Intent

At St James C of E Primary School, we use the Language Angels scheme of work and resources to provide a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious Modern Foreign Languages curriculum that inspires and excites our pupils. We aim to develop high expectations and excellent standards in language learning, enabling every child to achieve their full potential and feel confident and motivated to continue studying languages beyond Key Stage 2.

Our French curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that pupils build their knowledge and skills progressively throughout their primary education. We aim to develop the four key language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, alongside age-appropriate phonics, vocabulary and grammar. Pupils are encouraged to apply their learning in a variety of contexts, developing the confidence to understand and communicate in French.

We want all pupils to develop a genuine interest in languages and a positive curiosity about the world around them. Through exploring the relationship between language, identity and culture, children develop an appreciation of different countries, traditions and ways of life. Our ultimate aim is to lay strong foundations for future language learning and inspire pupils to become enthusiastic, lifelong language learners.

Implementation

We deliver our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum through the Language Angels scheme of work, providing well-planned, progressive lessons throughout Key Stage 2. Units are carefully sequenced to build on prior learning, revisit previously taught language and introduce new knowledge and skills at an appropriate level of challenge. Our curriculum planning is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and supports pupils in meeting the National Curriculum requirements.

Teaching focuses on the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Pupils take part in a variety of engaging activities, including interactive games, songs, conversations, pronunciation practice, reading tasks and written activities. These experiences help children develop their confidence, fluency and accuracy when understanding and communicating in French.

The three key building blocks of language learning are taught progressively:

• Phonics: Pupils learn to recognise and pronounce key French sounds, helping them to read unfamiliar words more accurately and develop confidence in spoken language.
• Vocabulary: Children develop a growing bank of vocabulary linked to age-appropriate topics and themes. Previously learnt words and phrases are regularly revisited and consolidated to support long-term retention.
• Grammar: Pupils develop their understanding of grammatical structures in an age-appropriate way, progressing from simple words and phrases towards constructing increasingly complex sentences and expressing their own ideas.

Lessons are structured to build knowledge step by step, enabling pupils to apply what they have learnt with increasing independence. Appropriate support, resources and levels of challenge are provided to meet pupils' needs and ensure all children can participate and make progress.

Cultural understanding is developed through opportunities to explore French-speaking countries, traditions and celebrations. Where appropriate, language learning is enriched through cross-curricular links and wider school activities, helping pupils recognise the relevance of languages beyond the classroom.

Teachers use ongoing assessment, questioning, observation and end-of-unit assessments to monitor pupils' understanding and identify next steps. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning and recognise how their language skills develop over time.

Impact

Our aim is for pupils to leave St James' with a positive attitude towards language learning, a secure foundation in French and the confidence to communicate in another language.

Through our progressive curriculum, pupils build and retain an increasingly broad vocabulary, develop accurate pronunciation and strengthen their understanding of grammar. They become increasingly confident in listening to and understanding spoken French, speaking with others, reading a range of texts and writing for different purposes. As pupils progress, they move from using simple words and phrases towards constructing longer sentences and expressing their own ideas and opinions.

The impact of our curriculum is monitored through ongoing formative assessment, end-of-unit assessments and regular assessment of pupils' listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Teachers use this information to identify strengths, address gaps in knowledge and ensure that appropriate support and challenge are provided. Pupils are also encouraged to reflect on their progress and take pride in their developing language skills.

By the end of Key Stage 2, we want pupils to have made good progress from their starting points, developed an appreciation of French language and culture, and gained the knowledge and confidence needed to continue learning languages at secondary school. Above all, we want our children to understand the value of learning another language and to feel enthusiastic about communicating with others in an increasingly interconnected world.