French

Purpose

Learning a foreign language is a necessary part of being a member of a multi-cultural society and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality language education should foster children's curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping children to study and work in other countries.

Languages at Littlecoates 

Children have weekly lessons in French throughout Key Stage 2, using a published programme of study.  Areas covered include: numbers, colours, house and home, in town,  food and drink, the classroom, clothes and hobbies. Children at Littlecoates develop a confidence to communicate in the French language and a curiosity for French culture. They understand that it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively in another language. They are interested in continuing language learning at secondary school. 

Curriculum rationale

1. Engaging and fun activities to encourage careful listening to the spoken language and show understanding by repeating and responding in French

2. Emphasis on listening, reading and speaking activities with some opportunities to write words, phrases and simple sentences in French

3. Opportunities to focus on French history, culture and tradition

4. Objectives across all strands revisited and embedded within and across year groups to ensure cumulative fluency