“What do they know of England, who only England know?”
Rudyard Kipling
“To learn another language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”
Chinese Proverb
Subject Leader for Languages (French): Mrs H Evans
Languages Curriculum Driver
Languages became a statutory element of the KS2 National Curriculum in England in September 2014, bringing the English curriculum more in line with neighbouring European countries where languages are routinely taught from the age of 6 or 7.
The National Curriculum programme of study stipulates that schools should “enable pupils to make substantial progress in one language”.
At Abbeyfields we provide teaching of French, in line with other first schools in Morpeth, and in preparation for children moving on to local middle schools at Year 5. We also use Makaton sign language throughout the school, in greetings, to accompany songs, and particularly when we have a child with a speech or learning difficulty, to encourage inclusivity and to encourage communication with classmates.
How is the content of the Languages curriculum chosen?
We use a Languages Long Term Plan drawn up by our Languages Lead and match units of study from the scheme to build on prior knowledge and to prepare for what will be learnt in Year 5.
How do we ensure progression of knowledge and skills?
Our Long Term Plan is constructed by a specialist Languages teacher, who has vast knowledge of what the children need as foundational knowledge and also on each transition across Key Stage 2.
How do we teach Languages (French) at Abbeyfields?
French is taught weekly for one 45 minutes session in KS2. Lessons are mainly oral and practical, with games and activities to give sufficient repetition whilst maintaining interest. There are also short revision opportunities throughout the school week, such as using greetings, a quick number game or singing songs, which will enable pupils to progress successfully.
Learning focuses on oracy, literacy and intercultural understanding. Children will ask and answer topic related questions and are always encouraged to take part in conversational French. They will build on vocabulary previously learned and complete some written work to give them a good foundation for further study in Year 5.
French is not taught in the Early Years Foundation Stage, although there will be occasional multi-cultural experiences, particularly focusing on any languages spoken within the pupils’ families, and the classes will take part in any whole school multi-cultural awareness events (see wider opportunities section.)
What is the long term plan for French teaching and learning?
Our long term plan for French maps out the coverage of the discrete teaching and learning opportunities for the children. Subject matter is chosen to be useful, to encourage speaking and listening, and to build on previous learning. We look for cross curricular links but are careful to avoid confusion with children’s learning in English, for example we learn names for animals or numbers in French in Key Stage 1 when these are well established in English, and when we introduce written work we are mindful of the different phonic rules that apply to written French.
Within each discrete block of French, class teachers carefully plan the specific outcomes for their year group, based upon age appropriate knowledge and skills, as well as the needs of the cohort.
Our teaching and learning opportunities ensure all children are introduced to and reminded of key vocabulary. Questioning and assessments of skills are used to check their understanding and prior knowledge, before new concepts or skills are introduced.
Modelling is used by class teachers to clarify expectations, children are then given plentiful opportunities to consolidate, build upon and apply basic skills in order to retain the learning and build confidence.
How do we know that our children are making progress?
Ongoing development of the children’s knowledge and skills are observed by the class teacher. Misconceptions are addressed and next steps carefully planned.
Our curriculum drivers are central to our curriculum. How do we promote reading, vocabulary acquisition, holistic education and diversity?
- Children have access to high quality texts (fact and fiction) about famous French people, factual books, culture, beliefs etc
- Children are taught subject specific French vocabulary
- Children discuss their ideas using subject specific vocabulary when describing and evaluating their work and the work of others
- Children work collaboratively and develop in confidence as their skills improve
- Children make their own choices
- French promotes engagement in learning, improving concentration skills through a carefully planned scheme (Language Angels)
- Children are creative, independent, as well as demonstrate a sense of pride in their work.
- Children recognise how to sensitively respond to others when offering evaluations of their work
- Children value and celebrate diversity in French
- All children are provided with equal access to the French curriculum. We aim to provide suitable learning opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity or home background
- Children learn about and are taught to challenge stereotypes connected to gender, wealth, disability and cultural background. They are educated that differences should be celebrated and are not a barrier to achievement.
- Through the French curriculum, children are enabled to discover how events, and key figures have shaped our understanding of the world and contributed to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation and the wider world.
- Through wider opportunities such as themed days and weeks (see below).
What wider opportunities are provided for our children?
We hold occasional whole school assemblies and whole school events to celebrate learning French, for example every year group will sing a French song and the subject leader will tell a story with picture prompts during an annual assembly (when whole school assemblies are permitted.) Year groups have incorporated French speaking in their assemblies or performances for parents, for example reading a weather forecast in French. Key Stage 2 children have participated in European awareness days with other schools and we have held whole school multicultural days with visits and visitors, language experiences, crafts and food tasting.
