Intent

At Norbreck Primary Academy, the intent of our French curriculum is to provide all pupils with the opportunity to expand on their previously learnt Latin skills whilst promoting enthusiasm for learning the French language and understanding of French culture. We aim to develop pupils' linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and confidence in using French as a means of communication. Our intent is to ensure that all pupils have a solid foundation in French that will serve them well both academically and in their future endeavours.

In line with the National Curriculum, the focus of study in French will be on practical communication. Pupils will be taught to:

• listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
• explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
• engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help
• speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures
• develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases 
• present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences
• read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
• appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language
• broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary
• write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly
• describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing

Implementation

Our French curriculum is well-structured and sequenced to ensure progression in language acquisition and cultural appreciation. It is designed to engage and inspire pupils through a variety of activities, resources, and experiences that cater to different learning styles. Opportunities for speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French are embedded across years 5 and 6. French lessons are delivered using a communicative approach that encourages active participation and interaction from all children. Differentiated instruction is utilised to support all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL). Authentic materials, such as songs, stories, and multimedia resources, are incorporated to make learning French enjoyable and meaningful. We use ongoing formative assessment to monitor pupils' progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide timely feedback. Pupils are involved in self-assessment and peer assessment to foster a sense of ownership over their learning and promote collaborative learning.

Impact

The impact of our French curriculum is that pupils demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning French and show progress in their ability to communicate in the language. Pupils' cultural awareness and appreciation of French customs, traditions, and values are evident in their work and interactions. The personal development of pupils through studying French is invaluable. Their confidence and self-esteem are boosted through their achievements in learning a foreign language and engaging with a different culture. They develop transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and resilience, that benefit their overall personal development. Pupils show respect for diversity and tolerance towards others, reflecting the inclusive ethos of our school community here at Norbreck.

In conclusion, our French provision at Norbreck Primary Academy is characterised by a clear intent, effective implementation, and positive impact on pupils' achievements and personal development. Our commitment to excellence in delivering French education ensures that all pupils are well-equipped to navigate a multilingual and multicultural world with confidence and proficiency.