French

“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” Flora Lewis

In our school the teaching of a foreign language encourages pupils confidence and creative skills. We help them develop an awareness of cultural differences through the study of language and other countries.  Skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills necessary to enable children to use and apply their French learning in a variety of contexts and lay the foundations for future language learning are embedded within a well-structured curriculum.

The teaching of French at St Johns School provides excitement, enjoyment and challenge for children and teachers, helping to create enthusiastic learners and to develop positive attitudes to language learning through life. Our French curriculum is designed to progressively develop children’s skills acquisition, and their ability to use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics. 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. French is taught weekly in all Key Stage 2 classes, and in discrete planned sessions across EYFS and Key Stage 1.  

Further language development and country appreciation is embraced through our Culture Focus Week.  This is an opportunity for children and the wider school community to further deepen their knowledge and understanding of the culture, traditions, geography, history of a chosen country or region. Pupils and teachers from the local secondary school work with primary pupils to make deepen understanding of the language and culture. For example a French café was organised where the Secondary Pupils were the waiting staff. Primary pupils had to order from a French menu and were served by the secondary pupils.

Read the full intent, implementation and impact statement here

Progression in French

Click the links below to download the year group learning journeys for French

Year 1 French Learning Journey

Year 2 French Learning Journey

Year 3 French Learning Journey

Year 4 French Learning Journey

Year 5 French Learning Journey

Year 6 French Learning Journey