Learning a foreign language is a necessary part of being a member of a multi-cultural society and provides an opening to other cultures. The children will begin to learn the chosen foreign language of French during Key Stage Two. We encourage children to develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through learning another language. Modern foreign language lessons introduce the children to another language in an engaging and stimulating way that will encourage them to be curious about other cultures and the world. Language learning at our school will develop the children's awareness of cultural differences and lay the foundations for future language leaning.

Intent

At Whitwell Primary School we believe that learning a language is an essential part of being a member of a diverse society. We intend to encourage pupils to develop a deeper awareness of other cultures and a broader perspective of the world. Our intention is to foster the children’s curiosity towards learning a foreign language and gaining an awareness of another country and culture.

We will teach the four key language learning skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening and necessary grammar will be covered in an age-appropriate way. We aim to foster a love of language learning to ensure children enjoy Modern Foreign Language lessons and feel willing and able to continue studying languages beyond Key Stage two. At Whitwell Primary School we are committed to ensuring children feel competent in another language which will enable them to interpret, create and exchange meaning within and across cultures.

Implementation

We teach languages in Key Stage two and all classes have access to a high quality foreign languages curriculum using the Language Angels scheme of work and resources. Our curriculum is designed to progressively develop the children’s skills and confidence in languages through regularly taught lessons by their class teacher

The children will acquire, use and apply vocabulary, knowledge and skills based around age-appropriate topics and themes to progressively become more fluent and confident in the chosen language of French. They will learn how to express their ideas and opinions in French and will understand and respond to spoken French. The children will learn spoken and written French aimed at their age-appropriate level. We use a range of teaching methods and provide different levels of challenge to ensure pupils learn effectively and maintain their enthusiasm for learning a language. Pupil learning and progression will be assessed at regular intervals to provide reference points against which learning and progression in each skill can be demonstrated.

Impact

Our children are enthusiastic and enjoy learning French. Children are observed and assessed across the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). Assessments are done informally during lessons by the class teacher and subsequent teaching is adjusted to meet the needs of the children. Formal assessments are completed at the end of each half term and monitored by class teachers and the subject leader to inform future developments in the curriculum. Impact of the curriculum is monitored by scrutiny of planning, monitoring of books and displays and discussions with staff and pupils.

The children at Whitwell Primary School understand that the French language has a different structure to the English language. The children progressively develop their confidence in taking part in conversations in French and they are continually encouraged to improve the accuracy of their pronunciation. They recognise and read written French in various contexts. The children can identify key events celebrated in France and can understand the differences between their culture and the French culture. They continually improve the complexity and content of their written French during the key stage. Pupils will continuously build on their previous knowledge as they progress in their foreign language journey through the primary phase.

French in School