
FRENCH
INTENT:
At St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School, our intent is to provide all KS2 pupils with a high-quality education in French, fostering a love for language learning while developing their cultural awareness of the Francophone world. We aim to equip our students with a foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing French, building confidence and competence in basic language skills. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils can communicate with increasing fluency and express themselves clearly, laying the groundwork for further language learning in secondary school and beyond.
We also aim to inspire curiosity and appreciation for other cultures, helping students understand the importance of learning a language in today’s global society. Through the study of French, pupils will develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a broader understanding of diversity.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Our French curriculum is taught through weekly, progressive lessons that incorporate engaging activities tailored to meet the needs of all learners. We use a variety of teaching methods, including interactive games, songs, storytelling, and role-play, to make language learning enjoyable and accessible to all students. Lessons focus on four key skills:
Listening: Pupils will hear French spoken through teacher-led instruction, multimedia resources, and interactions with native French speakers where possible.
Speaking: Through regular practice, pupils will gain confidence in speaking French through conversations, class discussions, and presentations on familiar topics such as introducing themselves, family, food, and hobbies.
Reading: Pupils will explore a range of French texts, from simple stories to short informational pieces, to develop their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Writing: Pupils will be taught to write simple sentences and short paragraphs, gradually improving their spelling, grammar, and sentence structure in French.
Cross-curricular links are embedded throughout the French curriculum, enhancing language learning through subjects such as geography (learning about French-speaking countries), art (French artists), and music (French songs). We also celebrate key cultural events like International Day of Languages, encouraging students to immerse themselves in French food, customs, and traditions.
Assessment is ongoing, with our peripatetic language teacher tracking progress through observations, oral contributions, written work, and quizzes. This ensures that lessons are adapted to challenge pupils at all levels while supporting those who need additional help.
IMPACT:
The impact of our French curriculum is seen in the increasing confidence and enthusiasm with which our pupils approach language learning. By the end of KS2, pupils will be able to understand and respond to spoken and written French in a variety of contexts, demonstrate a growing vocabulary, and engage in simple conversations. They will also have developed their understanding of French culture and the importance of language learning as a key skill for the future.
Students leave KS2 well-prepared for the next stage of their language education in secondary school, with a solid foundation in both the linguistic skills and the cultural awareness necessary for further study. Furthermore, the cross-curricular nature of our language provision enhances pupils’ overall learning experience, supporting their academic and social development across the curriculum.