French

Learning French introduces pupils to another language and helps them develop curiosity about different cultures. Lessons build confidence through listening, speaking, reading and writing.

At All Saints’, our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum enables pupils in Key Stage 2 to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to communicate in French and develop an understanding of other languages and cultures. Through engaging and progressive learning experiences, pupils learn to listen, speak, read and write in French, developing an appreciation of the wider world and the people who live in it.

Our curriculum progressively develops linguistic knowledge, communication skills and cultural understanding. Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils build on, revisit and connect prior knowledge, developing an increasingly secure understanding of French vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and sentence structures. Through our approach, pupils learn to Rehearse, Write and Apply, helping them retain new language and use it with increasing confidence and independence.

Our curriculum encourages pupils to explore three key questions:

• What strategies can I use to learn a new language?
• How can my new knowledge help me make links to English?
• How similar or different are the customs and traditions in different cultures?

Pupils learn useful vocabulary, recognise language patterns, improve pronunciation and communicate simple ideas. Songs, stories, games and conversation support memorable learning.

Pupils in KS2 develop the skills to listen, speak, read and write in French, learning vocabulary and phrases linked to familiar topics such as greetings, numbers, colours, family, food, hobbies, school and everyday life. They develop their pronunciation, understanding of sentence structures and ability to communicate simple ideas, opinions and information.

Through our approach to Rehearse, Write and Apply, pupils practise and revisit new vocabulary, learn to write words and sentences accurately, and apply their knowledge in different contexts. They develop strategies to support language learning, including repetition, listening carefully, recognising patterns, using memory techniques and making connections between familiar and unfamiliar words.

Pupils also develop their understanding of how languages work. They explore similarities and differences between French and English, including vocabulary, word order, pronunciation and grammar. This helps them recognise patterns, deepen their understanding of English and develop transferable skills for learning additional languages.

Alongside linguistic development, pupils gain an appreciation of French-speaking countries and communities. They explore cultural traditions, celebrations, food, music, daily life and customs, learning to recognise and respect similarities and differences between cultures.

Teaching and Learning

French is taught throughout Key Stage 2 through carefully sequenced lessons, with teachers explicitly teaching key vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and sentence structures. Listening activities, modelling, repetition, questioning and guided practice support pupils in developing secure understanding and confidence.

Learning follows our three-part approach:

• Rehearse: Pupils listen to, repeat and practise new vocabulary and phrases. They develop accurate pronunciation, recall previously learned language and build confidence through speaking activities, songs, games and structured conversations.
• Write: Pupils develop their ability to recognise, spell and write French words and sentences. They practise using familiar vocabulary and sentence structures, gradually developing accuracy and independence in written work.
• Apply: Pupils use their knowledge in new situations, combining vocabulary and sentence structures to communicate meaning. They take part in conversations, respond to questions, read short texts and create written outcomes using the language they have learned.

Teachers make learning memorable through regular retrieval practice, opportunities to revisit prior learning and activities that encourage pupils to use French purposefully. Pupils are supported to recognise and correct errors, reflect on their progress and understand that making mistakes is a valuable part of learning a language.

Cultural learning is woven throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to explore the lives, traditions and experiences of people in French-speaking communities. Comparisons with their own lives and customs encourage curiosity, respect and a broader understanding of the world.

Language is revisited frequently so that pupils can retrieve familiar vocabulary and gradually combine it in more independent ways.

Learning progresses from developing an understanding of familiar words, greetings and simple phrases in Year 3 towards communicating using a wider range of vocabulary, sentence structures and grammatical patterns by Year 6.

Pupils build confidence in listening to and repeating French before progressing to reading, writing and producing their own sentences. They revisit previously learned vocabulary and structures, gradually combining these with new knowledge to express ideas, ask and answer questions, and communicate for different purposes.

As pupils progress through KS2, they develop greater independence in using dictionaries, recognising familiar language patterns and applying strategies to work out the meaning of unfamiliar words. They learn to make connections between French and English, strengthening their understanding of spelling, vocabulary, grammar and language structure.

The French Learning Journey ensures that knowledge and skills build systematically on prior learning. All pupils are supported to access the same ambitious curriculum through explicit vocabulary teaching, clear modelling, repetition, scaffolding and appropriate challenge.

By the end of Year 6, pupils should be able to rehearse, write and apply French vocabulary and structures with increasing confidence. They should be able to understand and communicate familiar information, read and write simple texts, and demonstrate an appreciation of the cultures and traditions of French-speaking communities.

Inclusion, Enrichment and Impact

Our French curriculum provides an inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to participate, take risks and develop confidence in communicating in another language. Pupils learn to value different languages and cultures, listen respectfully and appreciate the importance of effective communication.

Learning is enriched through songs, games, role-play, stories, conversations and opportunities to explore French culture. Where appropriate, pupils engage with authentic resources and cultural experiences that bring the language to life and help them understand how French is used beyond the classroom.

Teachers assess pupils’ progress through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities, questioning, retrieval tasks and practical demonstrations of understanding. This helps identify strengths, address misconceptions and provide opportunities for pupils to revisit vocabulary, refine pronunciation and apply their knowledge in new contexts.

The impact of our curriculum is evident when pupils can retain and recall French vocabulary, pronounce words with increasing accuracy, construct simple sentences, understand familiar spoken and written language, and apply their knowledge independently. Pupils also develop confidence in identifying links between French and English and discussing similarities and differences between cultures.

Ultimately, we want every child to leave All Saints’ with a strong foundation in French, the confidence to communicate in another language and an appreciation of the wider world. We want our pupils to become curious, reflective and resilient language learners who understand that learning a language opens opportunities for communication, connection and discovery. Through French in KS2, we aim to nurture learners who are confident to Rehearse, Write and Apply, make meaningful links between languages and develop respect for the diverse customs and traditions of different cultures.