French
Intent
At JWPS, we believe that learning languages is an essential skill that helps children explore the world, integrate with various communities and actively engage in different cultures, We aim to inspire curiosity and a love of languages while developing children’s confidence in communication. We aim to ensure that all pupils gain a strong foundation in speaking, listening, reading and writing French through fun, engaging and meaningful experiences. Our curriculum is designed to help children understand another language and culture, build their memory and pronunciation skills, and prepare them for future language learning as they move on to secondary school.
Implementation
In Key Stage 2, our French curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and build a strong foundation in language learning through a fun, engaging, and inclusive approach. Pupils develop confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing French through regular, structured lessons that revisit and build on prior knowledge. We place a strong emphasis on accurate pronunciation, practical vocabulary, and simple grammar, using songs, stories, games, and role-play to bring the language to life. Alongside language skills, children explore French culture and traditions, helping them to develop a broader understanding of the world and an appreciation of other cultures. By the end of KS2, pupils are well prepared for further language learning at secondary school, with the confidence to communicate simple ideas and a positive attitude towards learning languages.
In Year 3, pupils become familiar with French phonemes and the sounds represented by individual letters, beginning to recognise and link key phonemes. They learn to talk about themselves and their families, as well as develop vocabulary related to basic colours and shapes. Children start to formulate simple sentences, both orally and in written form.
In Year 4, pupils develop an understanding of masculine, feminine, and plural forms of nouns and adjectives, using them to describe the weather and clothing. They learn the days of the week and become familiar with the names of shops and the items that can be bought in them. Pupils also learn how to express their preferences, including likes and dislikes.
In Year 5, pupils extend their vocabulary related to food and dietary habits and learn to use descriptive adjectives. They are introduced to the conjugation of common verbs, including avoir (to have), and learn how to give geographical directions. Pupils also develop the ability to talk about their families in more detail.
In Year 6, pupils build on their prior learning by acquiring a wider range of verbs to talk about different sports, including Olympic disciplines. They learn to describe their home and discuss holidays, using both statements and questions with increasing confidence.
Impact
The impact of teaching French in Key Stage 2 is evident in pupils’ growing confidence, enthusiasm, and ability to communicate in another language. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, children develop strong foundations in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, alongside accurate pronunciation and an understanding of basic grammar. Pupils are encouraged to take risks with language, express ideas, and ask questions, which supports their oracy skills and overall confidence. Learning French also broadens pupils’ cultural awareness, helping them to develop respect for other cultures and a greater understanding of the wider world. By the end of KS2, pupils are well prepared for the transition to secondary education, equipped with essential language-learning skills and a positive attitude towards learning languages.
