Rationale:

The rationale behind learning a foreign language is that it shapes individuals by fostering cultural awareness, tolerance, and broadening horizons. It complements subjects like RE and PSHE and aligns with Catholic values, equipping pupils with the moral and spiritual capital needed for life. Language learning also enhances global opportunities and communication skills.

The curriculum is cumulative, developing proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It integrates both practical use and exposure to literature to build cultural capital. Enrichment activities such as career-linked opportunities, trips, and competitions aim to cultivate a love for languages.

The emphasis is not on the specific language but on the transferable skill of learning any second language. Learning a foreign language supports English literacy and analytical skills by mirroring terminology and deepening language understanding.

Pupils are encouraged to:

• Think like linguists: Understand how languages work and value linguistic diversity.
• Know like linguists: Gain knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, phonics, and culture.
• Speak like linguists: Communicate fluently and spontaneously.
• Listen like linguists: Comprehend spoken language actively.
• Write like linguists: Produce grammatically accurate and creative texts.

Read like linguists: Read fluently, infer meaning, and use linguistic terminology.

Implementation:

The KS3 French curriculum is designed as a cumulative curriculum that revisits and builds upon key linguistic concepts over three years. It focuses on the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and is carefully sequenced to allow students to make steady progress. In essence, pupils will become confident, culturally aware linguists with a strong foundation for further language study at KS4.

By the end of Key Stage 3 French, pupils will be able to understand and use a wide range of vocabulary across familiar topics, recognise and apply key grammatical structures, develop strong phonics knowledge and communicate clearly through written and spoken language. Pupils will gain cultural knowledge of French-speaking countries, including traditions, daily life, and key figures, to build global awareness and appreciation of diversity.

At Key Stage 4, the French curriculum builds on the foundations of KS3, aiming to deepen pupils’ linguistic competence, cultural awareness, and confidence in communication. The focus is on mastery of key grammatical concepts, fluency in the four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing), and preparing pupils thoroughly for the AQA GCSE French exam.

https://www.aqa.org.uk/programmes/unit-award-scheme/units/french

What enrichment opportunities do we offer in French?:

We offer a range of enrichment activities to bring the French language and culture to life. Annual trips to different regions of France provide pupils with real-life language practice, cultural experiences, and personal growth opportunities.

We celebrate the European Day of Languages and the North East Festival of Languages every year. Year 7 pupils take part in a special Bastille Day programme.

Throughout the year, we mark various French customs and traditions to deepen pupils’ cultural understanding.