French

Welcome to our French page!

Bonjour, je m'appelle Mademoiselle Wood!

I am the French lead at St. Peters and I am very passionate about children learning this language! I have always been interested in learning different languages, including French, as I believe that this provides insight into other cultures.

I love seeing and hearing the pupils at St. Peters speaking, reading, writing, singing, and playing games enthusiastically in French. I am extremely passionate about children learning a foreign language as it can open a world of possibilities in terms of communicating with people in different countries and can equip pupils to study and work in different countries around the globe.

Introduction to French

Teaching of a foreign language should focus on enabling pupils to make substantial progress in one language (National Curriculum, 2013). At St. Peters, the language that we have chosen to teach is French. Children begin learning French through discrete lessons in Key Stage 2, although children in KS1 are introduced to Modern Foreign Languages through exploring other languages informally where appropriate. In KS2, planning is based on the Salut scheme of work.

Why do we teach French?

Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality language education will foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries (Purpose of Study, National Curriculum, September 2013).

Intent

The intention of the French curriculum at St Peter's is that children develop an interest and enthusiasm in learning another language. We strive to embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through a progressive French curriculum, so that children can use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts.

Implementation

We have developed a bespoke Modern Foreign Language curriculum, which covers all the components of the Modern Foreign Languages Programme of Study and meets the current needs of children here at St Peter’s. The curriculum is designed to develop children’s vocabulary and skills through regularly taught lessons. Opportunities to rehearse and consolidate skills are also utilised across the week, by including the French language within the daily routine.

Across KS2, we use resources from the Salut scheme of work. Children acquire new vocabulary based upon a familiar topic. New units start with a catchy song and then end with a story that ties the content together. Lessons within each unit typically include an introduction and review of new vocabulary, practise through an interactive game and then application through a classroom activity. As the children’s confidence and skills develop, they will record their work through writing captions and sentences in French. In Year 5 and 6 children progress to writing several sentences and passages.

Impact

We strive to lay the foundations for future language learning. Children will understand the relevance of what they are learning in languages and how this relates to everyday life, travel and how this can enhance future career prospects.

The impact of our French curriculum is measured through:

Reviewing the work inside of the children’s individual folder
Photographs and videos of practical work
Assessment of pupil’s progress
Interviewing the children about their learning

What does French look like in our school?

Look at Year 3’s French display, which includes some of the children’s fantastic transition work. The children are really enjoying being introduced to the French language!

Extra curriculum activities for French

At St. Peter's, we offer the children additional opportunities to explore the language of French and to develop their cultural awareness of France. During Spring, the Year 3 and 4 children enjoyed attending our weekly French club run by Miss Wood. The children have engaged in games, quizzes, food tasting, listening to French songs and music, discovering new facts and creating fact files as well as many more activities. Here are some photos of what the children have got up to.