In French, a Roundwood leaver will know …
…the world is full of different languages and studying a new language, reading other people’s stories, and connecting with others in their own language can be a source of pleasure and surprise. By learning another language, pupils can explore more about the world in which they live, read more newspapers and books and understand different films and TV programs, thereby extending their learning across the world, expanding their personal and cultural horizons creating true global citizens.
Our aim is to develop the confidence and competence of each child in French and for them to be passionate, curious and confident about their own foreign language learning abilities when they finish the primary school phase of their education.
At Roundwood Primary, Key Stage Two pupils have a weekly lesson of French with a curriculum which follows the Language Angels scheme of work. The curriculum has been designed to ensure all pupils cover the national curriculum objectives and skills by the end of Year 6. It allows for progression of objectives across a rolling programme, with pupils encountering, and producing, increasingly complex language as they move up through the school. Pupils’ knowledge of how language works and the similarities and differences between French and English will be constantly extended and they will have an ever-greater understanding of how the phonetics, grammar and vocabulary of the French language interconnect, through regular practise of the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pupils will develop a greater appreciation of the culture of France and other French-speaking countries. This will help to encourage curiosity about different languages and cultures more generally, promoting the celebration of diversity and an awareness of the world around them. We will also help strengthen their own sense of identity by comparing their own culture and language to those in other countries.
Teachers use the Language Angels plans as a basis for lessons but also include songs, stories, videos and games to ensure that lessons are interesting for pupils and are as interactive as possible. Pupils are also given enrichment opportunities to practise the new language they have learnt and to foster enthusiasm for language learning in general, such as by participating in a Roundwood French café afternoon, games afternoons or language days at other schools. Key Stage One pupils have the opportunity to begin their language learning journey through lunchtime French and Spanish clubs which are run by an external provider.
We aim to ensure that pupils of all abilities develop solid foundations in key language learning skills., preparing them for the next stage of their language learning journey. Pupils’ ability to understand what they hear and read will develop and enable them to express themselves in speech and in writing. They will become better able to manipulate language, applying previously learnt knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, syntax and phonics to assist them when faced with unfamiliar language. This will equip them effectively with the skills required for more advanced language learning at Key Stage Three and beyond.