Languages

Intent

The intention of the French curriculum at Bradley Barton Primary School is that children develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. Their understanding gained through the learning of French are essential in the development of each child’s aspirations and knowledge of the world as well as their understanding of their own culture and identity. Teaching is inclusive of all children and aims to enhance and broaden their cultural awareness. Our curriculum progressively develops language skills, through regularly taught lessons in KS2, which incorporate speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. This allows the children to acquire new language and apply it in a range of engaging different scenarios and topics.

Implementation

Our French lessons introduce children to a new language in a way that is fun and focuses initially on teaching children a range of basic vocabulary.  Children will have the opportunity to engage in singing songs that develop and reinforce vocabulary, games that encourage fluency and role play where children can rehearse and perform conversations expressing opinions and responding to those of others. They will join in with stories and start to read and write basic vocabulary and phrases. This may be supported with scaffolded activities such as missing letters in words or matching activities.

Children begin to participate in regular French lessons in Year 3 and continue in Year 4, 5 and 6. As children develop their skills, they are encouraged to express their ideas and thoughts in French and to understand and respond to speakers in writing in addition to speech. Children’s vocabulary is broadened through regular opportunities for them to be immersed in the language. 

The French curriculum is well-planned with a focus on practical communication and how the structure of the language differs from English, helping children to develop their own understanding of their own language whilst developing skills in another.

Our French curriculum is delivered by class teachers who support one another and use an online program called ‘Language Angels’ to support with pronunciation of the language. Children across the whole school, including KS1, EYFS and nursery, are immersed in MFL when we hold a series of MFL days across the school.

Our French curriculum promotes children’s Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development, supporting children to become reflective and responsible citizens of the world.

Impact

Our French curriculum ensures that children progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics. Through the breadth and depth that our curriculum offers, children have an appropriate balance of spoken and written language which lay the foundations for further language learning in secondary school. Our curriculum encourages children to become confident global citizens within the ‘modern world.’