French

Key Stage 2

• Intention

  In Key Stage 2 our children study the National Curriculum for French and we aim to

  • create excitement around learning languages through teaching French and an understanding of its culture in an exciting an enjoyable way for pupils.
  • to gauge what language skills pupils may have gained from a variety of first schools and languages pupils may have been taught at home. Although this can vary enormously, we find most pupils have a basic knowledge of Spanish or French and the language skills are transferable.
  • teach vocabulary from a beginner’s level and well as continuing providing opportunities that challenge pupils to ensure the curriculum is accessible for all.
  • ensure that the topics covered provide pupils with opportunities to learn valuable and practical conversation skills.
• Implementation
  • Baseline assessments are carried out at the beginning of year 5 and year 6.
  • Confidence is developed through regular singing and conversation work. Role play activities include a French café where the pupils order and eat French food and drink, a fashion show and the retelling of a traditional tale.

   

  • At St Joseph’s we embrace the diversity in language knowledge and spend some time in Year 5 comparing 4 modern foreign languages through studying the text ‘Les Trois Petits Cochons’.
  • Vocabulary is introduced and taught through a range of teaching styles allowing pupils to develop their recognition of key vocabulary as well as pronunciation. The online resource Linguascope allows pupils to practise key vocabulary at home through engaging games and activities.
  • All pupils have an opportunity to attend a lunchtime French club where they can take part in craft, music and seasonal activities while developing their language skills.
• Impact

  At St Joseph’s we want pupils to reach their full potential and we monitor this closely through subject leader learning walks, book scrutinies and pupil voices. Regular assessments across all year groups allow subject teachers to monitor progress in each topic as well as allowing pupils to reflect on and review their own achievements.

Key Stage 3

• Intention

  In Key Stage 3 our children study the National Curriculum for Reading and we aim to

  • inspire an interest in languages and learning about others cultures which lays the foundations for learning languages at High school.
  • provide pupils with a variety of opportunities in lessons to develop their communication skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • teach topics which are frequently revisited to build a depth of knowledge enabling the strengthening of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
  • provide extra-curricular activities provide opportunities to excite and further pupil’s understanding of French.
• Implementation
  • A planned combination of teacher, peer and self-feedback enables pupils to make progress as well as building resilience and an understanding that making mistakes and learning from them are part of the journey of learning a language.
  • Celebrating the International Day of Languages each year allows a taster into other languages and opposes the viewpoint that learning another language isn’t necessary.
  • Regular testing of core vocabulary and regular verbs ensures knowledge is retained. In KS3 there is a focus on the accuracy of spelling and use of accents. Pupils are encouraged to spell using the French alphabet. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in an annual Spelling Bee competition along with the other partnership middle schools.
  • Exposing pupils to a broad range of well planned activities allows practise and progress in writing, reading, speaking and listening. This is achieved through accessing French TV, radio, a wide-ranging texts and interactive activities.
• Impact

  At St Joseph’s we want pupils to reach their full potential and we monitor this closely through subject leader learning walks, book scrutinies and pupil voices. Regular assessments across all year groups allow subject teachers to monitor progress in each topic as well as allowing pupils to reflect on and review their own achievements.