French (Modern Foreign Languages)

Vision

At Heybrook, we believe that the learning of a modern foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills, including key skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The children's knowledge of how language works will be developed and extended, with lessons enabling pupils to make substantial progress in a modern foreign language (French). The linguistic skills gained will assist and lay foundations for further language learning. It will provide pupils with the confidence and independence to explore and be able to attempt manipulation of language structure. We also believe that learning another language gives children a new and broader perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.

Aims

We aim to:

Foster an interest in learning other languages
Introduce young children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun
Make young children aware that language has structure, and that the structure often differs from one language to another
Help children develop a broader appreciation and perspective on the world, with an increasing awareness of cultural differences
Develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
Provide children with the transferable skills to learn foreign languages in the future

Curriculum map

Our curriculum map for French clearly sets out the sequence of learning in this subject:
French Curriculum Map 2024-25

See below for example videos of expectations in the core skill of 'speaking' for each stage:

Stage 1 (Year 3)

/i/video/stage_1_french.mov