French
Intent
It is our intent at William Cobbett to instill a love for language and a cultural curiosity in our pupils. Our goal is that our French lessons will provide children with the key building blocks to further their language learning in secondary school whilst opening their horizons to other cultures and customs. We aim to foster curiosity and a deep understanding of the French speaking communities around the world. We believe that learning a foreign language enables children to have a better understanding of their own language(s) and broaden their understanding of the world around them.
The National Curriculum states:
Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.
Implementation
Our French sessions are taught weekly in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 by a specialised native French Kidslingo teacher, ensuring modelling of the French language is accurate and delivered with passion. William Cobbett offers children at the infant site the opportunity to attend French club - EYFS and KS1 is a key period for language acquisition and introducing a foreign language helps shape the linguistic brain.
Pupils will have opportunities develop all four key skills of language learning: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Language learning is approached in a fun interactive manner and our curriculum is built to support the primary curriculum broadly, with topics and learning blocks crossing over all subjects: from religious celebrations to basic maths skills.
Teachers are trained in ways to celebrate French learning throughout the week and you will see a French celebration display and French signs throughout the school. Bastille Day is celebrated by the whole school in July, giving our children a real insight into and excitement for French culture.
Impact
French is assessed at the end of each academic year in each year group. This is done through teacher judgment using the assessment laid out in the French progression of knowledge and skills document. Teachers will need to judge if a child is developing, secure or greater depth at the end of each year group and this is communicated to parents through children’s annual reports. French is monitored by the senior leadership team through book looks, learning walks and pupil and teacher surveys.
Pupil Voice
‘I used my French on holiday.’
‘I like seeing what is going to be on the French display and try to read it when I go past.’
‘It’s cool to speak a different language.’
Useful websites
