French
Purpose of study
The French language and culture is taught and celebrated throughout the school, from Early Years 1 to Grade 6.
As well as a formal language lesson taking place, we try to develop an understanding and appreciation of French culture outside of these lessons through other subjects, such Geography and History. We also celebrate special French events, such as La Semaine du Goût (Tasting Week) and every year the French Department organise ‘French Day’ for the whole school.
In the Early Years, French is taught informally through play-based activities presented by a French-speaking teacher or assistant. In this way, the children begin to recognise common French vocabulary and phrases.
From Reception class upwards, the children are split into a minimum of two groups, depending on their level of French. These groups are: French as a Foreign Language (FLE) and French as a Mother-Tongue (FLM). Depending on the class size, sometimes the FLE groups will be split into two smaller groups.
Aims
French as a foreign language (FLE)
The aim for FLE students is to get them speaking French as quickly as possible, and so lessons are designed to build confidence and offer constant opportunities to practise what they learn: from initial vocabulary, to common phrases, to holding conversations in different contexts (visits/role-playing). Although the oral side of FLE is arguably the main focus, students will also be given regular opportunities to read and write throughout the course.
At the end of Key Stage 2, children studying French as a foreign language, are offered the opportunity to sit the DELF Prim exam. This is an official diploma of French language studies issued by the French Ministry of Education and is recognised worldwide. It enables your child’s French proficiency to be validated and certified at the end of their primary school years.
French as a mother-tongue (FLM)
The FLM children meanwhile, follow an adapted version of the French national education program (Éducation Nationale Française). During these lessons children focus on reading, grammar, spelling and punctuation, using the same resources as in French Public schools.
French and English are distinct languages, however, the writing processes in both languages share fundamental principles. Although the main focus in FLM classes is reading, grammar and punctuation, the narrative techniques taught in English writing classes can be applied to French storytelling, enriching students' ability to craft compelling narratives in both languages. Both languages require students to organize their thoughts logically and communicate effectively.
Attainment targets
By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
Grade 1 and 2 programme of study 
At Key stage 1, the primary goal is to foster a love for language learning and build students’ confidence in using French. The curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of basic vocabulary related to daily routines, greetings, numbers, colours, and common objects. Through interactive activities, games, songs, and stories, students begin to develop listening and speaking skills, gradually building their ability to comprehend and communicate in simple French sentences.
FLE in Key stage 1, lays the foundation for students’ journey towards linguistic proficiency and cultural competence in French. Through engaging and interactive learning experiences, students develop basic language skills, phonics awareness, cultural understanding, and an enthusiasm for French language and culture. By nurturing these foundational skills, students are well-equipped to continue their language learning journey with confidence and enthusiasm in subsequent stages of education.
FLE in Key stage 1, offers children the opportunity to:
- Become increasingly familiar with the sounds, and written forms of vocabulary and basic grammar of a modern foreign language;
- Use their knowledge with growing confidence and competence to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and in writing;
- Use French as a means of communication within the classroom, and outside school;
- Increase their cultural awareness by learning about French-speaking countries and their peoples, and by working with materials from those countries.
Content
Courses are based on the 4 Attainment Targets of the National Curriculum:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
The French department have gathered and compiled a range of resources, which they use to help in the teaching of French. The resources are specifically written to support the teaching of the curriculum framework, and are reviewed regularly, to ensure best current practise.
Grade 3 - 6 programme of study
Building upon the foundational skills acquired in Key Stage 1, the curriculum expectations for Key Stage 2 focus on further developing language proficiency, expanding vocabulary, refining communication skills, and deepening cultural understanding in a dynamic and immersive learning environment.
The curriculum at Key Stage 2 introduces students to more complex grammatical structures and syntactical patterns in French. Students learn to conjugate verbs, form sentences, and construct paragraphs with increasing accuracy and sophistication. Grammar instruction is integrated into communicative activities, enabling students to apply grammatical rules in context and enhance their overall language proficiency.
Through a balanced and comprehensive curriculum, students develop language fluency, grammatical competence, reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and cultural awareness. By nurturing these skills and competencies, students emerge as confident, proficient, and culturally literate global citizens prepared for success in an interconnected world.
At the end of Key Stage 2, children studying French as a foreign language, are offered the opportunity to sit the DELF Prim exam. This is an official diploma of French language studies issued by the French Ministry of Education and is recognised worldwide. It enables your child’s French proficiency to be validated and certified at the end of their primary school years.
FLE in Key stage 2, offers children the opportunity to:
- Become increasingly familiar with the sounds, and written forms of vocabulary and basic grammar of a French;
- Use their knowledge with growing confidence and competence to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and in writing;
- Use French as a means of communication within the classroom, and outside school;
- Develop linguistic competence, extend the knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between French and English;
- Develop language skills and language learning skills, including applying knowledge of grammar and structures, so they become increasingly independent learners and users of French;
- Increase their cultural awareness by learning about French-speaking countries and their peoples, and by working with materials from those countries.
The FLE Department would like to develop learner’s interests, aspirations and attitudes by providing a breadth of experience in using French in both spoken and written forms in a variety of situations.
Content
Courses are based on the 4 Attainment Targets of the National Curriculum:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
The French department have gathered and compiled a range of resources, which they use to help in the teaching of French. The resources are specifically written to support the teaching of the curriculum framework, and are reviewed regularly, to ensure best current practise.