French - Intent
* At St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary school, we believe that learning a foreign language provides openings to other cultures which will help foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world.
*The children are taught about the French culture and language so that they can make substantial progress in one language. It is our intention to ensure that by the end of our children’s primary education, they have acquired: an understanding of both spoken and written language, gained confidence to speak in French with others and know how important fluency in other languages can be in their future.
* Our children are given opportunities to learn a modern foreign language as this is an essential criteria of being a member of a multi-cultural, global society.
French - Implementation
* Children In Key Stage Two (Years 3 -6) receive 50 - 60 minutes of French teaching per week. This consists of a 30-40 min lesson plus vocabulary catch-ups throughout the week.
* Although modern foreign languages are not a statutory element of the curriculum in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) or Key Stage One, from September 2023 we will be teaching weekly French lessons following the Language Angels EYFS/KS1 curriculum content.
* Children in Key Stage Two use the Language Angels curriculum. This is a progressive scheme that builds on the language knowledge and skills the children learn year by year. Topics can be repeated in different year groups and children spend valuable time consolidating prior learning. Through a variety of activities, we embed the essential skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. We aim to build the children's cultural capital, so that they are aware of similarities and differences between and within cultures.
* Our languages curriculum has been designed to develop not only the children’s language skills, but also their love of learning a language. It progressively develops language skills, through regularly taught lessons which allow children to acquire new language and then use and apply it in a range of different scenarios and topics. Our children also look at the importance of phonics and grammar when learning a new language.
* Our French lessons are interactive, and pupils are encouraged and supported to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversational work, singing activities and games. As their confidence and skill grows, children learn to record their work through pictures, captions and sentences.
* Core tasks and assessment pieces are built into the Language Angels Scheme and teachers are skilled at monitoring children’s progress and attainment in French.
* Our French language learning begins a journey that will equip our children with the necessary knowledge and skills for our feeder high schools.