MFL Curriculum Statement
Learning a foreign language provides children with a valuable opportunity to communicate with others and to develop an understanding of different cultures and traditions. It also supports their knowledge of English, as they begin to recognise similarities and differences in grammar, vocabulary and spelling, strengthening their overall language awareness.
In Key Stage 2, pupils receive a weekly lesson of French teaching. In Year 3, they are introduced to the foundations of the language, including colours, numbers, months of the year and days of the week. In Year 4, they build on this knowledge through topics such as school life and daily routines, developing their ability to form simple sentences. In Year 5, pupils learn to describe their friends and express opinions, extending both their vocabulary and their confidence in speaking. By Year 6, they explore a wider range of topics, including sports, homes and ordering food, applying their knowledge in more practical and meaningful contexts.
Lessons are carefully planned to be engaging and interactive, incorporating a range of activities, songs and speaking opportunities to support early language development. There is a strong emphasis on pronunciation and listening skills, ensuring pupils develop the ability to communicate clearly and accurately. As pupils progress through the school, they develop confidence and competence in speaking, listening, reading, writing and understanding French.
By Year 6, pupils begin to explore the underlying structure of the language in greater depth, including basic grammatical concepts, which helps to consolidate their learning. This approach ensures that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their language learning and are able to make a smooth and confident transition to secondary school.
Useful Links
There are useful, fun activities on these websites: