French - Intent

The intent of the French language programme at Shustoke is to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of the French language and culture among our students. Our children will:

• Develop Communication Skills: Equip pupils with the ability to engage in basic conversations, express their ideas, and understand spoken and written French.
• Cultural Awareness: Instil an understanding and respect for French-speaking countries and cultures, promoting curiosity about global communities.
• Lifelong Language Learning: Encourage a positive attitude towards language learning, recognising its importance in an increasingly interconnected world.
• Curriculum Integration: Ensure that the study of French is integrated into the wider curriculum, making connections to subjects such as arts, history, and geography.

The curriculum is designed to be progressive, building on prior knowledge and skills, ensuring that every child is able to develop at their own pace, while also being challenged appropriately.

French - Implementation

The implementation of our French language programme adheres to the following best practices:

• Comprehensive Scheme of Work: Provide a clear, structured and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum
• High-Quality Resources: Utilise a range of engaging and age-appropriate resources, including interactive games, songs, stories, and digital tools, to make learning French enjoyable and effective.
• Spoken Language Focus: Prioritise speaking and listening skills through regular interactive activities, such as role-playing, pair work, and songs, allowing students to practice pronunciation and develop fluency in a supportive environment.
• Differentiated Instruction: Provide tailored support and extension activities to ensure that all learners, including those with special educational needs and high achievers, can progress in their French studies.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Integrate French learning with other subjects to provide context and relevance, such as exploring French art in connection with art lessons or discussing historical figures within a history framework.
• Cultural Enrichment: Celebrate French culture through themed days, partnerships with local French-speaking communities, and cultural events, enriching students' understanding and appreciation of the language beyond the classroom.
• Ongoing Assessment: Employ regular formative assessments and feedback mechanisms to monitor progress, adjust teaching strategies, and ensure that students are meeting their learning objectives.

French - Impact

The impact of our French language programme is evaluated through various measures:

• Language Proficiency: A significant percentage of pupils are able to demonstrate age-appropriate proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French by the end of key stages, as evidenced by assessments and pupils' self-assessments.
• Cultural Understanding:  Children show an awareness of other countries, and French-speaking countries – this demonstrates how language, culture and religion can spread around the world.
• Confidence and Enjoyment: Feedback from pupils indicates high levels of enjoyment and confidence in speaking French, contributing to their overall willingness to engage with new languages.
• Lifelong Interest: A marked increase in pupils expressing a desire to continue studying languages in secondary education, as well as an openness to learning about other cultures and languages, indicating a long-term impact of our programme.

In summary, our primary school’s French programme is designed to inspire, engage, and prepare students for a world that values language skills and cultural understanding, ensuring that their journey into language learning is both rewarding and impactful.