French
Our subject lead is Mrs Lancaster.
'Learning another language is not just learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.' Flora Lewis
Intent
We believe it is essential that our pupils not only learn about other cultures but also begin to communicate and express themselves in another language. At our school, we focus on French. We aim to develop linguists who foster a love of languages through speaking, listening, and, as they progress, reading and writing.
A high-quality languages education should spark curiosity and deepen pupils’ understanding of the world. Our teaching enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in French and to understand and respond to their peers in the language.
Implementation
We use interactive activities to encourage pupils to speak and sing in French, gradually introducing reading and writing once secure speaking skills are established. French has been taught at our school for a number of years, and it is now embedded within our curriculum. Teaching is carefully adapted to ensure children develop their skills progressively across each Key Stage.
Pupils are given opportunities to explore the patterns and sounds of French through songs and rhymes, listen attentively, and engage in conversations. They begin to show understanding of words, phrases, and simple writing, while continually broadening their vocabulary.
Impact
Pupils are supported to read, speak, write, and respond to words and phrases from memory, adapting these to express ideas clearly.
Assessment is carried out against performance descriptors for each year group, which have been carefully mapped to ensure skills in French progress consistently. Assessment information is used to inform further curriculum development, and provision is adapted as needed. The subject leader monitors assessments and provides support for staff to ensure continued pupil progress.