Languages - French

Intent Statement

By the time our pupils leave Year 6, they will be confident language learners who can communicate in French through speaking, listening, reading and writing. They will understand and use key vocabulary, phrases and basic grammar, including gender, agreement and verb forms.

Pupils will engage in conversations, read simple texts and write sentences, while developing pronunciation and intonation. Through exploring French culture, they will develop global awareness. By the end of Year 6, our pupils will see themselves as language learners—equipped to continue language study in secondary education.

Policy

The policy for this subject can be found on our main policy section of the website.

National Curriculum

National Curriculum_2014_Final

Useful Websites

Content coming.

Subject Progression Document

How can I help my child in this subject?

Learning French helps children develop confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing another language. It also helps them understand different cultures and ways of life and supports wider communication skills such as memory, pronunciation and listening carefully. In primary school, French is taught through songs, games, speaking activities and simple reading and writing tasks.

Families can support language learning by encouraging children to practise little and often in enjoyable ways.

Supporting younger children (before Lower Juniors)

The National Curriculum begins teaching a modern foreign language formally in Key Stage 2, but younger children benefit greatly from early exposure to different languages and cultures.

You can help your child by:

  • sharing songs and rhymes in different languages

  • practising simple French greetings such as:

    • bonjour (hello)

    • merci (thank you)

    • au revoir (goodbye)

  • counting together in French

  • noticing and talking about different languages spoken in your community

  • watching short child-friendly programmes or listening to stories in another language

  • encouraging curiosity about how people communicate in different countries

  • celebrating the value of learning languages other than English

These early experiences help children develop confidence and curiosity before formal language learning begins.

Helping children in the Lower Juniors (Year 3 and Year 4)

At this stage, children begin learning French more formally. They focus on speaking and listening first, while starting to recognise simple written words and phrases.

You can help your child by:

  • encouraging them to practise simple greetings and everyday phrases at home

  • practising numbers, colours, days of the week and simple vocabulary

  • asking your child to teach you the French words they are learning

  • listening to French songs together or practising pronunciation in a fun way

  • encouraging them to join in confidently, even if they are unsure of pronunciation

  • supporting them to read simple French words aloud when they bring work home

  • praising effort and participation

At this stage, children benefit from hearing and repeating language regularly in short bursts.

Helping children in the Upper Juniors (Year 5 and Year 6)

At this stage, children begin to build sentences, understand simple grammar patterns and read and write short phrases in French.

You can help your child by:

  • encouraging regular practice speaking French aloud

  • helping them learn vocabulary using games, flashcards or quizzes

  • asking your child to introduce themselves in French (name, age, family or interests)

  • listening to simple French songs or audio clips together

  • encouraging them to read short words and phrases they recognise

  • supporting them to notice patterns between French and English words

  • reminding them that making mistakes is part of learning a language

  • talking about how learning French helps them communicate with people in other countries

At this stage, children are developing confidence in understanding, speaking and experimenting with a new language.

Supporting your child to enjoy learning French at any age

You can support your child by:

  • practising little and often

  • encouraging them to teach you what they have learned

  • listening to French songs together

  • exploring French culture, traditions and food

  • noticing languages spoken around you

  • celebrating effort and confidence

The most important thing you can do is help your child see that learning another language is enjoyable, useful and something they can succeed in with practice.