French

Intent

At Ruswarp C of E Primary School, our intent for teaching French is to cultivate a deep appreciation for the language and its associated cultures, while simultaneously developing essential skills for effective communication. We aim to provide a rich, immersive experience that fosters a positive attitude towards learning a foreign language.

Our objectives include:

• Cultural Awareness: Introducing pupils to the diverse cultures of French-speaking countries,
  enabling them to appreciate global citizenship and cultural diversity.
• Language Skills Acquisition: Equipping children with the fundamental skills of listening, speaking,
  reading, and writing in French, encouraging them to express themselves confidently.
• Long-term Engagement: Instilling a long-lasting love for languages and a recognition of their
  importance in the modern world, granting children lifelong learning opportunities.
• Spirituality: Encouraging pupils to explore and reflect on the values and philosophies expressed in
  French literature and culture, fostering a sense of identity and moral development through an
  understanding of diverse worldviews.
• Promotion of British Values: Incorporating the British values of democracy, the rule of law,
  individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs within our lessons,
  promoting an understanding of citizenship and respect for all cultures and perspectives.

Implementation

To successfully implement our French curriculum, we employ a range of pedagogical strategies that are diverse, dynamic, and tailored to the needs of our learners.

Key strategies include:

• Structured Curriculum: Our French curriculum is designed in line with the National Curriculum
  expectations. We carefully select themes that engage pupils’ interests and relate to their experiences.
• Interactive Learning Environment: We create an immersive classroom atmosphere through the
  use of songs, games, and role-play, allowing children to practise their language skills in a fun and
  engaging manner. This includes the use of drama and storytelling to enhance fluency and creativity.
• Assessment for Learning: Ongoing formative assessments are embedded in our French
  instruction, enabling teachers to track progress and adapt lessons based on individual and group
  needs. Feedback is constructive and promotes self-reflection among students.
• Professional Development: Teachers participate in continuous professional development to
  enhance their own language skills and pedagogical techniques. They share best practices and
  resources within the school to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Impact

The impact of our French curriculum is measured in a variety of ways, reflecting the holistic development of our pupils as language learners.

Outcomes include:

• Language Proficiency: Pupils demonstrate increasing proficiency in French, with the ability to
  engage in basic conversations, understand simple texts, and write sentences with improved
  accuracy as they progress.
• Cultural Engagement: Students express a genuine interest in Francophone cultures, participating
  in events such as French Day, where they showcase what they have learned through
  performances, presentations, and cultural displays.
• Positive Attitudes: There is a noticeable enthusiasm for learning French, evident in the pupils’
  willingness to participate in lessons and their motivation to engage with the language outside the
  classroom.
• Preparation for Future Learning: Many of our pupils in Year 6 leave with a strong foundation in
  French, ready to transition smoothly into secondary education, where they can build upon their
  language skills.
• Spiritual Growth: Pupils engage in discussions around values and ethics encountered in French
  literature, contributing to their moral development and allowing them to reflect on their own beliefs and philosophies.
• Promotion of British Values: Through our French lessons, pupils demonstrate an understanding
  of and respect for British values, knowing the importance of democracy and tolerance, which is
  evident in their collaborative tasks and classroom discussions.

In conclusion, at Ruswarp, our French curriculum effectively equips pupils with a valuable skill set and a newfound appreciation for languages and cultures. We strive to uphold the highest standards, ensuring a compelling educational journey that prepares our students for the future.