“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” ― Frank Smith
Learning French in Key Stage 2 is a vital part of the National Curriculum and plays an important role in preparing children for life in a diverse and interconnected world. At Kates Hill, we believe learning another language helps pupils to develop an understanding of different culture, broadens their horizons and compliments our children’s natural curiosity. French provides a strong foundation for future language learning and supports skills such as communication, memory, and problem-solving. As outlined in the National Curriculum, learning a foreign language is essential to fostering pupils’ global awareness and equipping them with the tools to engage confidently with the wider world.
Celebrating European Language Day 26/02/26
Intent
At Kates Hill, our French curriculum is designed to inspire a love for languages, foster cultural awareness, and equip pupils with the confidence to communicate in French. Our curriculum is designed to increase the children’s knowledge of the French language, while also developing their skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our intent is that all pupils will develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating. Learning French will also offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity. This aims to develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences. The intention is that they will be working towards becoming life-long language learners.
Implementation
In Key Stage 2 at Kates Hill, French lessons are timetabled for once a week. We are privileged to work with a specialist language teacher from a secondary school within Dudley Academies Trust, who works across Key Stage 2. Lessons include songs, games, interactive activities and role play. This variety of approaches to language learning ensures we offer a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious curriculum that will inspire and excite our pupils. Pupils’ progress towards language skills are assessed every half term.
Impact
At our school, a robust French curriculum has a significant impact on pupils’ language development and confidence. By the end of Year 6, children are able to speak with increasing confidence and fluency, making them ready to continue their language journey when they transition to secondary school. Pupils learn to express themselves clearly, ask and answer questions, and take part in discussions. Through regular practice, they continually improve their pronunciation and intonation. Our curriculum also ensures that pupils understand and respond to spoken and written French, laying strong foundations for future language learning.
Developing Cultural Capital through French
At Kates Hill Primary School we recognise the importance of developing our pupils’ cultural capital to prepare them for life in modern Britain and beyond. Our French curriculum is an integral part of this development.
Through a tailored French curriculum, we aim to:
- Introduce children to the language, customs, and traditions of French-speaking countries, as well as compare them to our own cultural experiences.
- Develop practical language skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Foster curiosity and respect for different cultures through exploration of festivals, food, and daily life in France.
- Encourage global awareness and appreciation of diversity.
- Celebrate the wide range of languages we speak within our school. Using French as a mutual language we can all enjoy learning together.
These opportunities help pupils to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of the wider world, and appreciate the richness of different cultures.
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