French
Intent
Children at our schools learn French throughout Key Stage 2. We use the Language Angels scheme of
work, which ensures that children are exposed to regular, engaging lessons which develop an
interest in, and an enthusiasm for, language learning.
Children are exposed to and taught the four key language learning skills (speaking, listening, reading
and writing), with an emphasis on being able to communicate in the target language. All necessary
grammar will also be covered in an age-appropriate way, enabling pupils to use and apply their
learning in a variety of contexts. Children produce both spoken and written outcomes.
Independence is developed through a bank of reference materials that they can refer to throughout
their language learning journey.
Learning is carefully sequenced and progressive across Key Stage 2. Throughout the topics that
children are exposed to, they have opportunities to revisit and consolidate prior learning. Their
language knowledge will progress within each academic year and will be extended year upon year
throughout Key Stage 2.
High expectations ensure that all children achieve their full potential. Children are encouraged to use
language in a meaningful way; they therefore develop their resilience and perseverance because
they are willing to take risks and make mistakes. The ultimate aim is for pupils to be motivated to
continue studying languages beyond Key Stage 2, and to become lifelong language learners.
Alongside communication skills in the target language, children also develop a genuine interest in,
and curiosity about, foreign languages. Children have the chance to develop a deeper understanding
of, and respect for, other cultures and of the world around them. They understand and respect
similarities and differences between different cultures, people around the world and people in our
local area. We use any opportunity to learn about other languages, and to celebrate the languages
that are spoken in our school community.
Implementation
All classes have access to a very high-quality foreign languages curriculum using the Language Angels
scheme of work and resources. This progressively develops pupils’ skills in foreign languages through
regularly taught and well-planned weekly lessons in Key Stage 2.
Children progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary, language skills and
grammatical knowledge organised around age-appropriate topics and themes – from building blocks of
language into more complex, fluent and authentic language.
Language lessons are taught by class teachers. Lessons offer appropriate levels of challenge and stretch
to ensure pupils learn effectively, continuously building their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the
language they are learning.
Curriculum Planning
The school has a long term plan, which outlines what each class will be taught and when it will be taught.
Each teaching unit is divided into 6 fully planned lessons.
Each unit and lesson will have clearly defined objectives and aims.
Each lesson will incorporate interactive whiteboard materials to include ample speaking and
listening tasks within a lesson.
Lessons will incorporate challenge sections and desk-based activities that will be offered with
three levels of stretch and differentiation.
Reading and writing activities will be offered in all units. Some extended reading and writing
activities are provided so that native speakers can also be catered for.
Every unit will include a grammar concept which will increase in complexity as pupils move from
Early Language units, through Intermediate units and into Progressive units.
Extended writing activities are provided to ensure that pupils are recalling previously learnt
language and can use it with greater ease and accuracy. These tasks will help to link units
together.
Unit Types
Language Angels units are categorised by ‘Teaching Type’ to make it easier for teachers to teach units
that will offer the appropriate level of challenge and stretch.
Early Language units are entry level units, which are mostly appropriate for children in Lower Key Stage 2,
with little or no previous foreign language learning.
Intermediate units increase the level of challenge by increasing the amount and complexity (including
foreign language grammar concepts) of the foreign language presented to pupils. These are included in
both Lower and Upper Key Stage 2, when pupils have embedded basic knowledge of the foreign
language.
Progressive units are the most challenging units and are included for Upper Key Stage 2 pupils, who have
a good understanding of the basics of the language they are learning.
Grouping units into these Teaching Type categories ensures that the language taught is appropriate to
the level of the class and introduced when the children are ready. Children will gradually be taught how
to listen to and read longer pieces of text in the foreign language. They will have ample opportunities to
speak, listen to, read and write the language being taught with and without scaffolds, frames and varying
levels of support.
Progression
Children will build on previous knowledge gradually as their foreign language lessons continue to recycle,
revise and consolidate previously learnt language whilst building on all four language skills: listening,
speaking, reading and writing. Knowledge and awareness of appropriate grammar concepts will be taught
throughout all units at all levels of challenge. Grammar rules and patterns will be taught by level of
challenge:
We start with nouns and articles and 1st person singular of high frequency verbs in Early Learning units.
We move on to the use of the possessive, the concept of adjectives, use of the negative form,
conjunctions/connectives and introduce the concept of whole regular verb conjugation in Intermediate
units.
We end with opinions and introduce the concept of whole high frequency irregular verb conjugation in
Progressive units.
The Progression Map shows precisely how foreign language learning across the key skills of speaking,
listening, reading, writing and grammar progresses within each Language Angels ‘Teaching Type’. It is a
visual demonstration of the progression that takes place WITHIN a ‘Teaching Type’ and also ACROSS each
‘Teaching Type’.
Units are progressive within themselves as subsequent lessons within a unit build on the language and
knowledge taught in previous lessons. As pupils progress though the lessons in a unit they will build their
knowledge and develop the complexity of the language they use.
Assessment
Pupil learning and progression will be assessed at regular intervals throughout the year. Teachers will
assess each language skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
Enrichment
In addition to following the lessons provided in the Language Angels scheme of work and resources, we
try to build in opportunities for the enrichment activities, including:
Assemblies celebrating different cultures and languages
European Day of Languages
Visitors from different countries and cultures
Celebrating languages used in our school community, including BSL