Rationale

At Holy Trinity School, we believe that all children should have the opportunity to study a modern foreign language and to develop an understanding of cultures and customs other than their own. Our pupils learn French throughout the school from Year 1-6, taught by class teachers and a specialist French teacher. By learning a modern foreign language, we aim to:

• Foster an interest in learning other languages;
• Introduce young children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun;
• Stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language;
• Encourage children to be aware that language has structure and that the structure differs from one language to another;
• Help the children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries;
• Develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

In the modern world it is important that our children are equipped for their future as global citizens. We believe children enjoy learning a new language, they also tend to be less self-conscious about speaking aloud. It is widely believed that early acquisition of a foreign language facilitates the learning of other foreign languages later on. Being proficient in at least one other language will open up opportunities for them in the near and distant future; learning a language develops many transferable skills.

Intent

French is taught in line with the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) National Curriculum. In KS1 there is an emphasis on speaking and listening skills, learning through songs and stories. As they progress through KS2, these are embedded and developed further alongside reading and writing skills. Children can understand and respond to increasingly complex spoken and written French. They will develop their knowledge of phonics and grammar. They will develop a range of language learning strategies and also be able to use a bilingual dictionary to enable them to broaden their vocabulary and understanding, independently. Work is assessed regularly.

Children will also develop an appreciation of the French language and culture. They are taught to accept and embrace other languages and cultures; they will also understand why it is important to learn languages. Our aim is to breakdown stereotypes and look at the similarities as well as the differences between countries and cultures. They will also value bilingual skills and multiculturalism in our school.

It is our intent that when children leave Holy Trinity, they will have a confidence and natural curiosity to explore other countries, cultures and languages, knowing that, in a multi-lingual society, it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language. They will be confident to continue their language learning at secondary school.

Implementation

French is taught regularly by class teachers and a specialist French teacher (years 2-5). A range of resources are used including the Early Start programme, songs, stories and games. Children are taught about different cultural traditions enabling students to acquire an appreciation for and respect for their own and other cultures, particularly those in French speaking countries.

Work is differentiated according to ability and progress. It is sequenced so that prior learning is considered and there are opportunities for revision and extension.

Children often work collaboratively in groups and paired work as well as taking turns during games, which encourages fair play.  Children develop willingness to give it a go which may impact positively on learning in other curriculum areas too.

In Year 6, children are also taught some Spanish and Gordon’s School usually deliver some taster sessions in German.