French Curriculum

Intent

At Redwell Primary School, French is the chosen modern language. Children will gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of the three pillars of language - phonics, vocabulary and grammar - which are the building blocks of language acquisition. These are practised through the four modalities of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Throughout the study of French, children will gain knowledge and understanding of the culture of France and it’s history and traditions therein. Children are given ample opportunity to explore, poems, songs, stories and rhymes in the language; thus developing their cultural capital.

We aim for our learners to: 

• be confident using spoken language to initiate conversation and respond;
• develop fluency in reading;
• use phonological awareness enabling them to decode;
• use good intonation and pronunciation;
• develop fluency in writing;
• be confident selecting vocabulary according to context;
• have an understanding of how grammar can change and enhance meaning;
• have a growing ability to use language creatively and spontaneously.

Implementation

For our Key Stage 2 pupils, we follow the Salut scheme of work, which instils enjoyment and engagement around the learning of language through all modalities of language acquisition. The fun and accessible tasks, resources and activities allow all children to become confident to speak and understand the French language, whilst meeting the end of Key Stage Attainment Targets outlined in the National Curriculum and providing them an insight into further language learning in secondary school.

The modules within Salut enable pupils to study a range of topics, engaging in conversational French whilst also acquiring and understanding more subject specific vocabulary as lessons progress. Each unit (per term) aims to build upon prior learning and units are sequenced to enable pupils to purposefully build on learning from previous sessions to aid the retention of key subject and topic-based knowledge. Core units – introducing basic grammar and sentence structure – are taught in Year 3, whilst the complexities of French grammar and tenses are covered in Year 6. The lesson plans provided are easily adaptable to differentiate learning and provide challenge for those more confident with language learning.

Annually, as a school, Redwell celebrates Bastille Day where: children dress up, enjoy a croissant and jus d’orange for breakfast, learn the History behind the Storming of the Bastille and listen to/sing traditional French songs and stories. This celebration solidifies the learning of new cultures, diversity and language within our school.

Impact

The children at Redwell enjoy the fun that Salut encompasses within language learning and this is demonstrated in the progress and attainment through their language journey. Quizzes, interactive games and regular revisits of vocabulary throughout the week embed the knowledge acquired in the lessons to create retainable and long-term learning – all whilst creating an engaging classroom atmosphere.

We believe that when children leave Redwell Primary School, they will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore other countries, cultures and languages: understanding that in today’s multi-lingual society, it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language. They will therefore be engaged and prepared to continue their language learning journey at Secondary School.

How are the British Values developed in Modern Foreign Languages at Redwell Primary School?

At Redwell Primary School, the modern foreign language (MFL) curriculum is thoughtfully designed to align with and promote British values, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, democracy, and mutual respect.

1. Democracy

The French curriculum encourages student participation and voice in lessons. Activities often include collaborative decision-making, such as voting on games or quizzes (enabling students to experience the democratic process in action), as well as active participation, where children take turns to answer questions in another language.

2. Rule of Law

Students are taught the importance of rules and structures within the societies whose languages they are studying. Classroom activities also reinforce the importance of following rules, such as respecting turn-taking during conversational practice and interactive games.

3. Individual Liberty

The MFL curriculum celebrates personal expression through language. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts, preferences, and individuality in the target language. Independent work often focuses on exploring personal interests, helping students recognise their right to share their voice while learning about the freedoms enjoyed in other cultures.

4. Mutual Respect

Lessons emphasise respect for other cultures and languages, promoting an appreciation for diversity. Students explore ways of life in countries where the target language is spoken. By learning to communicate in another language, students develop empathy and an understanding of the importance of respecting people who may have different backgrounds or beliefs.

5. Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Students engage in activities such as learning about and celebrating festivals and historical influences, encouraging them to celebrate differences and draw connections to the multicultural fabric of British society.

Implementation Strategies

• Cultural Days: Bastille Day on 14^th July focuses on the target language, incorporating their traditions, foods, and languages. Children engage in a traditional French breakfast and dress up in French attire.
• Interactive Role-play: Simulations of everyday scenarios using the vocabulary learnt in lessons, such as shopping or school life - to compare cultural norms.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Collaborative projects with history (Bastille Day and The French Revolution), exploring shared values and cultural diversity.
• Storytelling and Literature: Reading folk tales or stories from the target language culture, fostering empathy and understanding.

Through this approach, Redwell Primary School not only equips students with linguistic skills but also nurtures their growth as open-minded, respectful individuals who appreciate and embody British values in an interconnected world.

Progression Documents