Children learn French from Year 1 as we believe that learning a foreign language is vital in helping to shape the individual. The subject sits comfortably beside RE and PSHE and aligns with our Catholic values and ethos as it encourages pupils to appreciate and respect the diversity of people around the world and develop an open-minded and tolerant outlook to anything perceived as different to pupils’ usual ways of communicating and thinking.
The French curriculum is enriching and truly seeks to broaden pupils’ horizons. It also supports the English department’s goal of helping pupils become excellent communicators, readers, writers and thinkers. By learning a foreign language, pupils understand their own language better.
Cultural awareness is promoted at every opportunity and through a variety of activities. Pupils develop the four specific skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Lessons are characterised by collaborative work, creativity and extensive use of ICT.
The programme of study as pupils progress through the school ensures an excellent foundation in skills and knowledge in support of children considering French as a GCSE option. In Year 8, more able pupils are prepared for Scholarship examinations.
We are passionate about promoting a love of, and curiosity for languages as well as helping pupils see the relevance of learning a foreign language, not only in the classroom, but also through a range of enrichment opportunities. These feature through French Focus mornings (that involve the whole school with cross curricular activities and culminating in an interactive French play), a French film club, French food tasting modules, French conversation sessions and French assemblies.
