French is taught as part of our Modern Foreign Language curriculum. We teach French as it is the second most spoken language in the world after English and is spoken on every continent.

It is our intent that our children are taught to develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. We want our children to be curious and excited by languages and develop their awareness of other countries and cultures. The teaching of French should provide the foundation for learning further languages in their future and support the development of speaking and listening skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary.  In today’s multi-lingual society, it is important that our children recognise the value of being able to communicate effectively with others in another language, be that their home language or an acquired language.

We follow the National Curriculum programme of study and build upon the foundations of language learning including: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These skills help children develop a basic understanding of the French Curriculum. We use the Salut scheme to support the teaching of French and all children have a weekly French lesson taught in our dedicated French Room. As well as study the language we also study French Culture.

We plan to teach a progressive curriculum which supports the development of speaking and listening skills as well as grammar and vocabulary. As a linguist, each year, the children building upon their prior knowledge and understanding and become more skilled in the key concepts of:

• Speak Confidently and Listen – by understanding and using key vocabulary and phrases to verbally communicate ideas
• Read Fluently – by recognising key vocabulary and phrases
• Writing French – by using key vocabulary and phrases to write ideas

Our intention is that when they leave in Year 6 develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. They will have developed a range of French vocabulary, confidence in speaking, listening, and writing in another language and have developed an understanding of a different country, culture, and customs. The teaching of French should provide the foundation for learning further languages in their future.