Languages - French

Vision

Rushall Primary School believes that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable spiritual, moral, social and cultural experience for the pupils and is keen to promote the introduction of a Modern Foreign Language to our pupils.  We strive to ensure that our children will be empathetic, intelligent and resilient learners and leaders of the future who can adapt in an ever-changing world.  Language learning is an excellent vehicle for our children to embrace diversity in our school setting, locally and worldwide, and to celebrate and respect difference.  For a number of years, all children in KS2 have been given the opportunity to learn a Modern Foreign Language as part of the school curriculum. This has been in place since 2005. 

The aims and objectives of learning a Modern Foreign Language in primary school are to:

• foster an interest in learning other languages

• introduce young children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun

• stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language

• encourage children to be aware that language has structure and that the structure differs from one language to another

• help the children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries

• develop their speaking and listening skills

• links are made between learning English, home language (where applicable) and a foreign language.

• teach language learning following a skills progression, so that prior knowledge is built upon.

Languages (French) lead: Miss Lauren Rankin

We teach a foreign language (French) from Year 4 Summer term for up to an hour per week. This is delivered through the combination of a formal teaching session followed by reinforcement throughout the week and through learning in other areas of the curriculum, including links to English language learning.  In this way, learning is embedded within the primary curriculum as a whole.

The children are taught how to:

• ask and answer questions

• use correct pronunciation and grammar in a safe environment where the children are encouraged to take risks with their learning and develop resilience

• memorise words

• interpret meaning (problem solving)

• understand basic grammar

• use dictionaries

• work in pairs and groups and communicate in French (working collaboratively)

• look at life in another culture