French
To learn a new language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.
Our Intent
The main aim of French is to broaden children’s knowledge of the language and of the culture of France and other French speaking countries, known as Francophonie. It is taught in Year 3-6. We believe that learning a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils. Pupils develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundations for future language learning. They develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between French and English.
Implementation
Following the National Curriculum, children are taught to understand and respond to spoken and written language, ask and answer questions in French, interpret meaning, use correct pronunciation and grammar, understand basic grammar, communicate in French and look at life in another culture.
Children move from the oral word to building simple sentences. In upper KS2 they begin to write more independently and start translating and interpreting French texts based on their acquired French knowledge and topics covered in the lessons. Lessons start with practising saying the date in French, followed by 'flashback' to refresh pupils’ knowledge from the previous lesson. Flashbacks play a crucial role in second language acquisition as they stimulate memory and focus, and set children for their lesson.
We use a variety of techniques to encourage the children to have an active engagement in the modern foreign language: these include games, role-play and songs (particularly action songs). We frequently use mime to accompany new vocabulary in the foreign language, as this serves to demonstrate the foreign language without the need for translation. The lessons also include work in pairs and groups, where children are encourage use French vocabulary and communicate in French if possible. Children will also be made aware of the different types of French around the world and different French speaking countries.
Impact
The rich French curriculum enables children to deepen their knowledge of the French language and the rich and diverse culture that surrounds it. This will allow them to become international citizens and broaden their horizons regarding foreign language learning. Their intercultural understanding will grow by identifying similarities and differences in everyday life, social conventions, traditional stories and celebrations. Moreover, children will recognise how symbols and different objects can represent the culture of a country, and how aspects of the culture of different countries become incorporated into daily life of others. All children will develop an ability to recognise and mistrust stereotypes, and understand and respect cultural diversity.
Colville Primary won first place in the French Pop Video Competition 2019 7-11 age category