French

The French curriculum will be continuously updated and reviewed, creating a dynamic programme of study. This will ensure that the foreign language knowledge of our pupils progresses within each academic year and is extended year upon year throughout the primary phase
The curriculum reflects the aims and content of the National Curriculum.
The four key language learning skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing will be taught and all necessary grammar will be covered in an age-appropriate way. This will enable children to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning and also helping the children improve overall attainment in other subject areas.
Children will build on previous knowledge gradually as their lessons recycle, revise and consolidate previously learnt language whilst building on all four language skills:
- listening
- speaking
- reading
- writing
All children including those who have SEND or are disadvantaged are supported to fully access the French curriculum. This includes additional adult support, adapted resources and the use of visual supports.

We intend to inspire pupils to develop a love of languages and to expand their horizons to other countries, cultures and people.
Children will know that, in a multilingual society, it is a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively with others in another language.
Children will progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary, language skills and grammatical knowledge organised around age-appropriate topics and themes – building blocks of language into more complex, fluent and authentic language.
Children will be engaged and prepared to continue language learning at secondary school.

Learning to speak another language enables children to live in a global world. When children leave Torriano Primary, they will have a natural curiosity and confidence to explore other countries, cultures and languages.
Lessons are contextualised to make them purposeful to ensure that children understand how it can explain and impact the world around them.
All children will develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a new language will also offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences.
Finding out about the traditions and beliefs of another culture will support an ethos of acceptance and respect for difference.

Implementation

All classes will have access to a very high-quality foreign languages curriculum which shows clear progression.
A language specialist is the curriculum leader for French across the federation.
Children have weekly lessons in French throughout Key Stage 2.
Lessons offering appropriate levels of challenge and stretch will be taught at all times to ensure pupils learn effectively, continuously building their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the language they are learning.
Children will be taught how to listen and read longer pieces of text gradually in the foreign language and they will have ample opportunities to speak, listen to, read and write the language being taught with and without scaffolds, frames and varying levels of support.
Knowledge and awareness of required and appropriate grammar concepts will be taught throughout all units at all levels of challenge.
Teachers use a Progression Map and Grammar Grid to ensure all children are progressing their foreign language learning skills and are taught the appropriate grammar at the right time in their foreign language learning journey. Grammar rules and patterns will be taught by level of challenge: Grammar is integrated and taught discreetly throughout all appropriate units.
Pupils will be aware of their own learning goals and progression with a child friendly overview so that all children can review their own learning at the start and at the end of each unit. They will know and will be able to articulate their learning.

In addition to following the lessons provided in the Language Angels scheme of work and resources, the school also do some of the following:

Foreign language celebration assemblies.
Story readings with French-speaking community members.
School celebrations of national days from the French-speaking countries (e.g. Bastille Day, boules competition across the federation).
Collaboration with other schools (competitions, video logs, pen pals) to encourage using acquired skills in real-life situations.
Collaboration with French-speaking companies (theatre groups, cinemas etc. ) to further encourage using acquired skills in real-life situations (e.g. BFI film trip)

Year 6 visit Paris in the summer term to consolidate their learning throughout their time at Torriano.

Pupil learning and progression is assessed at regular intervals.
Teachers will aim to assess each language skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing) regularly to be able to provide reference points against which learning and progression in each skill can be demonstrated.
The opportunity to assess children’s learning and progression in the key language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and against the 12 DfE Languages Programme of Study for Key Stage 2 attainment targets is provided at the end of each 6-week teaching unit.
Other forms of assessments are encouraged: video recordings, self-assessment grids.
Monitoring processes, such as book looks, track the progression of children using their French skills and practising the recall of key knowledge.