French
Purpose and Aims of the Subject
At Adderley Primary School, French is taught from Year 3 to Year 6 and aims to foster pupils’ curiosity and interest in learning a new language and understanding different cultures. Learning French helps children develop confidence in communication, while also broadening their awareness of the wider world and the diversity of languages and traditions.
Through learning French, pupils develop key language skills including listening, speaking, reading and writing. A strong emphasis is placed on speaking and listening so that pupils can confidently communicate simple ideas, ask and answer questions, and take part in conversations. As they progress through the school, children build on their vocabulary and understanding of basic grammar, enabling them to form sentences and express their ideas more clearly.
The curriculum also helps pupils to appreciate different cultures and traditions in French-speaking countries. This encourages respect, curiosity and an understanding of the wider world, supporting pupils in becoming open-minded and globally aware citizens.
By developing their language learning skills, pupils also strengthen their memory, confidence and communication abilities, which support learning across the wider curriculum.
How French is taught at Adderley
At Adderley, French is taught using the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which provides a structured and progressive approach to language learning from Year 3 to Year 6. Lessons are designed to be interactive, engaging and accessible for all pupils.
A strong focus is placed on speaking and listening, with children regularly practising pronunciation, repeating key vocabulary and taking part in short conversations and role-play activities. Lessons include songs, games, repetition, and interactive activities to help pupils remember new vocabulary and phrases.
Oracy is an important part of French lessons, and pupils regularly use Voice 21 strategies to develop their confidence when speaking. Children are encouraged to speak clearly, listen carefully to others, and practise communicating their ideas in French in a supportive classroom environment.
Through these engaging and interactive lessons, pupils develop confidence in using the language while enjoying the process of learning.
The outcomes of the curriculum and assessment
Through the French curriculum at Adderley, pupils develop confidence in listening to and speaking a new language. They build a growing bank of vocabulary and begin to understand how language works, including simple grammar and sentence structure.
Assessment is ongoing and takes place through class discussions, speaking activities, listening tasks, and written work. Teachers monitor pupils’ progress through observation of participation, pronunciation, understanding of vocabulary, and their ability to communicate simple ideas in French.
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed the confidence to understand and respond to spoken and written French at a basic level. They will be able to use familiar vocabulary and phrases, take part in simple conversations, and demonstrate an awareness of French culture. These experiences provide a strong foundation for further language learning at secondary school while encouraging curiosity and enjoyment in learning languages
You can view our curriculum plans here:
Language Ambassadors
Representing the school’s commitment to diversity, our Language Ambassadors speak various languages and represent different cultural backgrounds. Selected through a rigorous process, these pupils take on roles that support language learning across the school. The languages spoken by our Language Ambassadors include Urdu, Arabic, Mirpuri, Punjabi, French, Italian, Bengali, Somali, Romani, and Romanian.
Learning French at Home
At Adderley Primary School, we actively encourage parental engagement in supporting children’s language learning beyond the classroom. Here are some recommended online resources to help children develop their French language skills at home:
- BBC Bitesize French – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z39d7ty
- Languages Online – French Topics – https://www.languagesonline.org.uk/French
- Duolingo – French – https://www.duolingo.com/course/fr/en/Learn-French
- French Games – https://www.french-games.net/
These platforms offer a mix of interactive games, listening exercises, and vocabulary-building activities that can reinforce classroom learning in a fun and engaging way.
By fostering a love for languages and providing enriching learning experiences, we empower our pupils to embrace new opportunities and become confident global citizens.