INTENT

At our school, the intent of teaching French across Key Stage 2 is to provide all children with the opportunity to develop linguistic skills and cultural awareness in an increasingly interconnected world. We aim to create an engaging and supportive language learning environment where children are motivated to develop practical communication skills in French. By following the Language Angels programme, we aim to equip pupils with the ability to read, write, and speak in French confidently. This will help them build a strong foundation in the language, enabling them to express themselves in various contexts, including introducing themselves, discussing their interests and backgrounds, and performing everyday tasks such as ordering food or participating in classroom activities. In a diverse school environment where many languages are spoken, we see French as a means to foster mutual understanding, enhance cognitive development, and celebrate linguistic diversity.

IMPLEMENTATION

The French curriculum at KS2 is structured around the Language Angels programme, a well-sequenced scheme designed to gradually develop pupils’ vocabulary, grammar, and confidence in speaking and understanding the language. Each unit builds upon prior knowledge, ensuring a cumulative learning experience. The programme provides a rich array of interactive activities, games, and songs to ensure that learning French is both enjoyable and effective.
Key components include:

• Speaking and Listening: Pupils will practice basic conversational skills such as greetings, expressing likes/dislikes, and discussing family, friends, and personal interests. Role-plays and interactive activities will provide opportunities to apply these skills in real-life contexts, such as ordering meals in French.
• Reading and Writing: Pupils will regularly engage in reading comprehension tasks, learning key vocabulary and phrases that can be applied in written tasks, including sentence formation, describing personal preferences, and writing short paragraphs about themselves and others.
• Cultural Awareness: Lessons will include insights into French-speaking countries, their cultures, and traditions, fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity.
  Differentiated activities will ensure that all children, regardless of their linguistic background, can progress at their own pace and feel supported in their learning journey.

IMPACT

By the end of KS2, pupils will have developed a bank of practical French vocabulary and communication skills that enable them to confidently talk about themselves, their likes and dislikes, and engage in simple real-world tasks like ordering food and participating in classroom routines. They will be able to read and understand short texts and write basic sentences and paragraphs in French. Beyond language acquisition, learning French will enhance pupils’ confidence, memory, and cognitive skills, and promote an appreciation for diverse cultures. This will prepare them for further language learning in KS3 and beyond, as well as contribute to their overall personal development in a multicultural society.

Apps to support the learning and practice of French at home:

Duolingo

Babbel

Gus on the Go

Mindsnacks