Curriculum statement
Intent: Our intent is to provide pupils with an opportunity to build linguistic confidence and understanding and to experiment with and be curious about learning French. It is our intention to nurture a joy for language learning and to equip pupils with the language knowledge, skills and understanding to allow them to successfully continue future language study as independent learners.
The French curriculum is designed to deliver the requirements of the programme of study for foreign languages and focuses on the successful teaching of the three pillars of language progression- vocabulary, phonics and grammar. Content is selected to motivate and interest pupils and is relevant for their age group. Where possible, topics are cross-curricular. Vocabulary is introduced in small quantities and revisited regularly over the four years of Key Stage 2, ensuring pupils have frequent exposure to the four key concepts of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Simple phonics are taught explicitly in Year 3 and subsequently revisited and taught in more complexity as the key stage progresses. Grammar is taught discretely to all year groups, increasing in complexity throughout the key stage. Language is regularly revisited, and prior learning is frequently reintroduced alongside new learning. Children are also provided with ample opportunities to further their intercultural understanding through use of a wide range of resources. In addition, pupils are given opportunities to celebrate the diverse languages and cultures in our school community, providing greater intercultural understanding, respect for others and an appreciation of similarities and differences.
Implementation: The teaching of vocabulary, grammar and phonics is mapped out for each year group. All content is introduced through a topic, and it is ensured that general vocabulary such as numbers, colours, conjunctions and opinions are revisited in progressive complexity across the key stage. Ample opportunity is provided to reinforce and build on prior learning with retrieval activities. A variety of resources is used to meet the successful delivery of the programme of study. School made flipcharts detail short-term plans and list, where necessary, the use of other resources such as websites, commercially produced resources such as Early Start, Babelzone, 2SimpleFrench and Rigolo. Phonics are introduced using the “Physical French Phonics” resources. A wide range of stories, songs, poems and rhymes are also used regularly. All lessons are differentiated with support resources for SEND children and other children with higher need. Challenges and opportunities for learning at greater depth are provided every lesson.
Impact: By the end of the key stage, pupils will have a sound knowledge of appropriate vocabulary, grammar and phonics in French. They will be confident in the skills they have acquired to allow them to creatively manipulate language for their own purpose. Pupils will be able to speak and read aloud with good pronunciation and listen for gist or detail. They will be able to understand how to speak and write sentences using a range of vocabulary with an understanding of basic grammar concepts. Pupils will have an understanding and awareness of other cultures and will be able to enjoy simple songs, rhymes, stories and poems in French. They will have gained skills necessary for successful future language study.