The national curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources
  • speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation
  • can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt
  • discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.


Aims

At Abbey Primary School, our aim is to foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world through learning a foreign language. We believe that learning French opens doors to other cultures and creates confident communicators. Our curriculum aims to develop enthusiastic language learners who can express their ideas and thoughts in French, understand and respond to native speakers, and appreciate the culture of French-speaking countries. We strive to ensure every child develops the foundations for future language learning while building their confidence in speaking another language.

How We Teach French

Our approach to teaching French is interactive and engaging, with an emphasis on speaking and listening in the early stages, gradually introducing reading and writing as pupils progress. Lessons are carefully structured from Language Angels to build confidence and develop all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Teachers use a variety of resources including songs, games, stories, and role-play to make language learning fun and memorable. We create an immersive environment where pupils are encouraged to use French for real purposes, such as classroom instructions and daily routines. Native audio materials and authentic texts help pupils develop accurate pronunciation and intonation.

Assessment is ongoing through observation of speaking and listening activities, written work, and role-play scenarios. We focus on both language acquisition and the development of intercultural understanding. Regular practice of key vocabulary and structures helps pupils build confidence in using the language independently.

What Skills and Knowledge Will Your Child Learn?

Throughout their time at Abbey, pupils develop essential language skills and knowledge. Beginning in Key Stage 2, children start with basic greetings and simple conversations, gradually building their linguistic competence and confidence. However, at Abbey we do introduce the children in EYFS and KS1 to greetings and numbers when taking the register and welcoming the children in the morning.

As they progress, pupils develop skills and understanding in:

Speaking and Pronunciation:

  • Use accurate pronunciation and intonation
  • Engage in conversations and ask questions
  • Express opinions and respond to others
  • Present ideas and information orally
  • Speak with increasing confidence and fluency

Listening and Understanding:

  • Listen to and understand native speakers
  • Follow classroom instructions in French
  • Understand the main points from spoken passages
  • Extract information from authentic materials
  • Respond to songs and stories

Reading:

  • Read and understand simple texts
  • Use a bilingual dictionary
  • Recognise familiar words in new contexts
  • Read aloud with accurate pronunciation
  • Understand basic grammar rules

Writing:

  • Write phrases and short sentences
  • Describe people, places, and things
  • Express opinions in writing
  • Apply basic grammar rules
  • Create simple texts independently

Cultural Understanding:

  • Learn about French-speaking countries
  • Understand traditions and customs
  • Appreciate cultural differences
  • Explore French festivals and celebrations
  • Develop global awareness

By Upper Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed:

  • Confidence in speaking French
  • Understanding of basic grammar
  • Skills in all four language areas
  • Cultural awareness
  • Dictionary skills
  • Language learning strategies

Key Topics Covered Include:

  • Greetings and introductions
  • Numbers and counting
  • Colours and descriptions
  • Family and friends
  • Food and drink
  • Hobbies and interests
  • School life
  • Weather and seasons
  • Time and daily routines
  • Local area and directions

These skills and knowledge progress systematically through Key Stage 2, building on previous learning. Our approach develops important transferable skills including:

  • Communication skills
  • Memory techniques
  • Cultural awareness
  • Language learning strategies
  • Confidence in speaking
  • Listening skills

We believe these skills and knowledge are essential for pupils to become confident language learners who are well-prepared for secondary education and inspired to continue their language learning journey.