French

Welcome to our French page!

Bonjour, je m'appelle Mademoiselle Wood!

I am the French lead at St. Peters and I am very passionate about children learning this language! I have always been interested in learning different languages, including French, as I believe that this provides insight into other cultures.

I love seeing and hearing the pupils at St. Peters speaking, reading, writing, singing, and playing games enthusiastically in French. I am extremely passionate about children learning a foreign language as it can open a world of possibilities in terms of communicating with people in different countries and can equip pupils to study and work in different countries around the globe.

Introduction to French

Teaching of a foreign language should focus on enabling pupils to make substantial progress in one language (National Curriculum, 2013). At St. Peters, the language that we have chosen to teach is French. Children begin learning French through discrete lessons in Key Stage 2, although children in KS1 are introduced to Modern Foreign Languages through exploring other languages informally where appropriate. In KS2, planning is based on the Kapow scheme of work.

Why do we teach French?

Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality language education will foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries (Purpose of Study, National Curriculum, September 2013).

Intent

The intention of the French curriculum at St Peter's is that children develop an interest and enthusiasm in learning another language. We strive to embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through a progressive French curriculum, so that children can use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts.

Implementation

We have developed a bespoke Modern Foreign Language curriculum that aligns with the components of the Modern Foreign Languages Programme of Study while addressing the unique needs of the children at St Peter’s. This curriculum focuses on building vocabulary and language skills through regular lessons. To reinforce learning, opportunities to practice and consolidate these skills are integrated into the daily routine by incorporating French into various activities throughout the week.

In KS2, we follow the Kapow scheme of work, where students learn new vocabulary based on familiar topics. Each unit typically begins with a review of previous learning, followed by an engaging activity to spark interest in the new topic. Lessons introduce and reinforce new vocabulary, with opportunities for oral or written practice through games, partner discussions, and independent tasks. As students grow more confident, they begin to write captions and sentences in French. By Years 5 and 6, they progress to writing longer sentences and passages.

Impact

We strive to lay the foundations for future language learning. Children will understand the relevance of what they are learning in languages and how this relates to everyday life, travel and how this can enhance future career prospects.

The impact of our French curriculum is measured through:

Reviewing the work inside of the children’s books and having discussions with class teachers
Photographs and videos of practical work
Assessment of pupil’s progress through end of unit quizzes
Interviewing the children about their learning

What does French look like in our school?

Check out Year 3's lesson on French greetings with puppets! The children learned basic phrases and practiced having simple conversations with their classmates and teacher.

Extra curriculum activities for French

French day!

At our St. Peters, the children celebrated Bastille Day with a vibrant French-themed day. Dressed in the colours of the French flag, red, white, and blue, the students embraced the festive spirit. A special French-themed lunch was served, offering a taste of traditional cuisine. To further enrich the experience, each class participated in an additional French lesson designed to enhance cultural awareness, introducing students to key aspects of French history, geography, language, and traditions. It was a day filled with learning and fun, as the children gained a deeper appreciation for French culture.

French club

At St. Peter's, we offer the children additional opportunities to explore the language of French and to develop their cultural awareness of France. The Year 3 and 4 children enjoyed attending our weekly French club run by Miss Wood. The children have engaged in games, quizzes, food tasting, listening to French songs and music, discovering new facts and creating fact files as well as many more activities. Here are some photos of what the children have got up to.