Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) – French Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School, we believe that learning a modern foreign language provides learners with an invaluable opportunity to develop curiosity, broaden their understanding of the world and become active global citizens.

Our French curriculum is designed to develop learners' confidence and competence in speaking, listening, reading and writing while fostering an appreciation of different cultures, traditions and ways of life. Through high-quality language learning, learners develop communication skills, resilience, memory, creativity and an understanding of how language works.

We aim for all learners to:

• Develop a positive attitude towards language learning and an enthusiasm for communicating in another language.
• Build secure knowledge and understanding of French vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
• Listen attentively and respond confidently to spoken and written French.
• Communicate effectively through speaking and writing for a range of purposes and audiences.
• Develop an understanding of the similarities and differences between French and English, strengthening their understanding of language as a whole.
• Acquire and retain key vocabulary that enables them to communicate with increasing confidence and accuracy.
• Appreciate the culture, traditions and daily life of French-speaking communities.
• Develop cultural awareness, respect and understanding of the diverse world in which they live.
• Build the knowledge and confidence required to continue language learning successfully at secondary school and beyond.

Through our ambitious curriculum, learners will know more, remember more and be able to do more as they progress through Key Stage 2.

Implementation

French is taught through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum that aligns with the National Curriculum for Languages. Learning is structured to ensure that knowledge and skills build systematically over time, enabling learners to revisit, practise and apply prior learning while developing increasing fluency and confidence.

French is introduced through formal lessons from Year 3, with learners receiving a weekly lesson throughout Key Stage 2. Lessons provide opportunities to develop the four key language skills:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing

Teaching focuses on the explicit development of vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. Learners are encouraged to listen attentively to spoken French, respond appropriately and communicate confidently through songs, rhymes, games, role play and practical activities. These approaches support learners in developing accurate pronunciation and improving their recall of key language.

Vocabulary is carefully selected and revisited to support long-term retention. Vocabulary displays and language-rich classroom environments reinforce learning and enable learners to apply their knowledge independently.

Learners explore a range of themes and topics that make meaningful links across the wider curriculum, including geography, history, food, culture and science. These connections help learners understand the relevance of language learning and strengthen their wider knowledge of the world.

Cultural understanding is woven throughout the curriculum. Learners are provided with opportunities to explore French traditions, celebrations, food, music and daily life through enrichment activities such as themed events, cultural experiences and language-focused celebrations. These experiences enhance cultural capital and encourage learners to develop respect for diversity and different perspectives.

As part of our commitment to providing learners with a rich and progressive language education, we continue to strengthen links with secondary language specialists within the trust to support transition and inspire learners to continue their language-learning journey beyond primary school.

Teachers use ongoing assessment to monitor progress, identify misconceptions and adapt teaching to meet the needs of all learners. Retrieval activities and regular opportunities to revisit prior learning support learners in securing knowledge in their long-term memory.

Impact

The impact of our French curriculum is reflected in learners' growing confidence, enthusiasm and ability to communicate in another language.

By the end of Key Stage 2, learners will:

• Demonstrate increasing confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in French.
• Recall and apply a broad range of vocabulary and grammatical structures with increasing accuracy.
• Understand and respond to spoken and written French using language appropriate to their stage of learning.
• Communicate ideas and information with growing fluency and confidence.
• Show an appreciation and understanding of French culture and the wider diversity of the world.
• Recognise the value of learning languages and the opportunities this can provide in future education, employment and global citizenship.

Our curriculum ensures that learners know more, remember more and can apply their learning effectively. Through regular retrieval, assessment and opportunities for application, learners make strong progress from their starting points and develop secure foundations for future language learning.

The quality and impact of the curriculum are monitored through lesson visits, pupil voice, work scrutiny, assessment information and curriculum reviews. These processes support continuous improvement and ensure that all learners receive a high-quality languages education.

Modern Foreign Languages in the Early Years Foundation Stage

Although French is not taught as a discrete subject within the Early Years Foundation Stage, opportunities to develop cultural awareness, communication and an understanding of the wider world are embedded throughout the curriculum.

Children are encouraged to explore different cultures, traditions, languages and experiences through stories, music, celebrations, visitors, role-play opportunities and carefully planned learning experiences. These activities help children develop curiosity, respect and an appreciation of diversity from an early age.

We celebrate the rich linguistic diversity within our school community and value the home languages spoken by our families. Children are introduced to greetings and simple words from a variety of languages, including those represented within their class. Bilingual books, multilingual displays and inclusive learning environments help children develop a sense of belonging while broadening their understanding of the world around them.

These early experiences provide strong foundations for future language learning and support children in becoming confident, respectful and globally aware learners.