French Curriculum Statement

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

Nelson Mandela

Curriculum Intent:

The intention of the French curriculum at St. Peter’s Primary Academy is that KS2 children are taught to  develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. We improve children’s confidence whilst engendering a curiosity about language. In planning, we actively plan links to develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries, through our protected characteristics, British values and curriculum enrichment opportunities. As well as this, we embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing necessary to enable children to use and apply their French learning in a variety of contexts and lay the foundations for future language learning.

Our MFL curriculum is designed to progressively develop children skills in languages, through regular taught lessons. Children progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics. All children in KS2 receive regular French lessons from a French specialist using the Kapow scheme of work.

Curriculum Design (Implementation):

Children are encouraged and supported to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversational work, singing activities and games. As confidence and skill grows, children record their work through pictures, captions and sentences; practical activities, songs and games are used to help improve memory and recall.

 In addition to discreet French lessons, children are encouraged to use French throughout the school day. For example, the teacher may consolidate learning by completing the lunch order in French. To scaffold and support learning, children are equipped with visual prompts to support children in translating new vocabulary. These are available for children to have out on desks to support their learning and recap previous learning. From September 2022, work within lessons will be recorded in French books.

Knowledge Acquisition (Impact):

French at St. Peter’s is taught in as practical a sense as possible. Consequently, impact is measured against the progression document through lesson observations and pupil voice.