French at HCPS is led by Mrs H. Burton
We believe that language teaching should be regular, sustained- and fun! Children should look forward to language learning, developing a curiosity for knowing about the language and cultures of different countries. We want children to be able to learn the basics of the language, some at a deeper level, progressing by embedding key vocabulary and phrases, and being able to link these together in order to develop their language skills further and apply them later on.
French is taught throughout Key Stage 2 with weekly sessions focusing on speaking, listening, reading and writing. Children are encouraged to enjoy learning to understand and speak a new language and to be confident at trying it. We use phonics, games, songs and the Duolingo ICT program, as well as French dictionaries, to help to embed new vocabulary. Regular conversation, listening to spoken French in music, stories and videos, reading and writing help the children to learn about sentence structure. They are encouraged to look for clues in the language, linking words which are similar in English and building on their previous knowledge. These skills are taught through topics which are relevant and interesting to them, such as information about themselves, their interests, food, the world around them and where they live. They are introduced to the geography and culture of France with activities such as food tasting and role play.
French is being embedded into the school day with the date in French being displayed in Key Stage 2 classrooms and songs and stories being introduced throughout the week to immerse them in the language. There are French displays and vocabulary around school for children and adults to refer to. Optional French activities for them to do at home are provided.
From KS1, there is a French club after school called Kidslingo, which is paid for by parents.
It is hoped that, through covering all aspects of the MFL National Curriculum, children will have progressed to leave the school with a secure knowledge of basic vocabulary and phrases and an ability to adapt and apply the language using 'sticky knowledge'. Overall, we hope that children have developed an enjoyment of the language, at whatever level they have reached, a desire to learn more about that language, country and culture, and a curiosity about the world in which we live.