Intent

The core language taught at Preston Candover Primary School is French. It is the intention that all children will access quality teaching of French in order to foster their curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Through learning French from Year R to Year 6 we aim to foster an interest in learning another language and develop skills involving speaking, listening, reading and writing in French.

By the time children leave Preston Candover they should be able to:

           Develop resilience in language learning as well as enjoyment of it through a challenging scheme of work

           Be able to manipulate language to speak or write sentences using prior knowledge of grammar and key features

           Recognise some of the language patterns of French and how these differ or are similar to English

           Demonstrate substantial progress in learning French and work towards or meet the targets of the KS2 Programme of Study for Languages

           Have a deeper understanding of cultural differences and similarities in the Francophone world

Implementation

It is important that children are taught to develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. We encourage children’s confidence, and encourage children’s curiosity about language. We strive to embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing necessary to enable children to use and apply their French learning and lay the foundations for future language learning.

Although learning a language is not statutory at KS1, at Preston Candover Primary we begin learning French from Year R . Children in EYFS and KS1 will learn to use French in everyday classroom languages. They begin to answer the register in French, give their lunch choices using the French colour words and learn some French songs and rhymes. They learn through a variety of topics starting with introduction, colours and numbers, as well as learning about France.

The current programme of study in KS2 ensures coverage of reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar, building in opportunities for children to revisit knowledge at varying degrees of complexity at a variety of points throughout the four years of study. Topics are the vehicles through which key linguistic concepts are presented and taught. Topics change half-termly to maintain engagement.

In KS2, these skills are built upon and developed so that children have the opportunities to listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding, exploring the patterns, sounds and meanings of new vocabulary. They begin to speak and engage in conversations, write and manipulate language using prior knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. They will explore other Francophone countries around the world, their customs, traditions, landmarks and making comparisons between different places.

Our FL curriculum is designed to progressively develop children skills in languages. Children acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary. We use a range of different topics to ensure we cover a range of vocabulary but also ensure there are opportunities to revisit prior learning. A selection of topics are based upon books and stories in French that are well known. All our children in KS2 will have regular weekly language lessons.

Please use the links below to explore our MFL curriculum further: