French
Intent
Carlton Junior and Infant School celebrates and welcomes diversity within and beyond our school community. It is our aim to introduce learners to the wider world and increase their knowledge and understanding of other cultures. Learning an additional language gives our pupils the opportunity to widen and expand their understanding of the world - this breaks down barriers, encourages the learner to become more open minded and builds tolerance. Learning a language is also valid from a technical viewpoint, in terms of the mechanics of how language works, the comparisons made with English and the subsequent positive impact upon other academic disciplines.
Our language lessons have been designed to introduce pupils to a new language and to understand more about the culture of the countries where this language is spoken. We intend to build language learning skills in our pupils in order for them to make further progress when they make the transition to key stage 3. Our MFL curriculum has been designed alongside Lingtot to allow children to make progress in the key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Lessons are carefully sequenced and are based around the three main pillars of vocabulary, grammar and phonics. Learners have the opportunity to use prior knowledge to aid their understanding and to make progress.
Implementation
Children from year 3 to year 6 have a 45 minute French lesson each week. Lessons are designed to build on prior knowledge of phonics, grammar and vocabulary. They ensure progression in the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and move from word to sentence level over the course of the time. Lessons are taught by a specialist language teacher from Lingtot.
Lessons ensure support for less able children and extension activities for more able learners. Resources are varied and interesting and include interactive whiteboard activities, storybooks, songs and rhymes.
Vocabulary has been chosen to ensure that learners are exposed to all the key phonic sounds and to hold the attention of pupils. Written work is recorded in pupil’s French books. Formative assessment in each lesson informs the planning and teaching of subsequent lessons.
Impact
The skills and knowledge taught in French lessons are designed to give our pupils the opportunity to make good progress in an additional language. They enjoy the use of songs, stories and rhymes to aid their learning. They are proud of the progress they make. Our children often highlight aspects of French in lessons which demonstrate that they are using language learning skills effectively. The cultural impact of learning a language – referred to above - is also a key benefit.
