This intent and implementation statement outlines the core principles and practices that guide our French curriculum at Deanshanger Primary School. We are committed to fostering a love for language learning and cultural awareness, empowering our pupils to become confident and responsible citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

Intent

Deanshanger Primary School uses the “Salut” scheme of work and resources to ensure we offer a relevant, broad and vibrant foreign language. Our French Curriculum will inspire and excite our KS1 and KS2 children using a wide variety of topics and themes. All children are expected to achieve their full potential by encouraging high expectations and excellent standards in their foreign language learning - the ultimate aim being that children will feel willing and able to continue studying languages beyond key stage 2. Our chosen scheme of work ensures that the foreign language knowledge of our children progresses within each academic year and is extended year upon year throughout the primary phase and, in doing so, will always be relevant and in line with meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum. The four key language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing will be taught, and all necessary grammar will be covered in an age-appropriate way across the primary phase. This will enable children to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning. We want all children to develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about French, finding it enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a second language at school will also offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, and develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences.

Implementation

Children in KS1 will be introduced to French vocabulary through songs, rhymes, stories and games to develop the love of the subject, generate interest and establish initial understanding before progressing to the National Curriculum MFL content in KS2.

In KS1, French is taught using “Salut” for 20 minutes every week and focusses on listening and speaking skills only. It is a topic-based to spark children’s interest.

All children in KS2 have 30 to 45 minutes of French lessons per week. In Year 3 and 4, children will use more complex vocabulary and sentence structures. Children will learn to use adjectives to add detail to their sentences. In years 5 and 6, children will be given a taste of other tenses. Using the perfect and near future tenses, children will talk about what they’ve seen and done, and what they’re going to do in the future.

The lessons are designed to motivate children from the first moment and have a clear, achievable objective and incorporate creative activities for children's different learning styles. We build children's confidence through praise for any contribution they make to the foreign language, however tentative. 

French lessons provide a variety of sources to model the language. For example, through the use of games, stories and songs, which maximises enjoyment and makes as many connections to real life situations as possible.

Impact

Through our engaging and interactive French curriculum, children will learn:

• Basic French language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• A foundational understanding of French culture and traditions.
• Confidence and motivation to continue learning languages in KS3.
• The ability to communicate and connect with people from different cultures.
• An appreciation for the diversity and richness of language and communication.