Introduction

At Coley Primary School we have over 27 nationalities and the children speak over 20 languages.  For some children, speaking in more than one language is part of their daily life and their enjoyment when learning another language comes as no surprise. Research has found that children enjoy learning and speaking in different languages and this experience provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils at Coley Primary School.

Learning another language helps children to acquire communication skills such as speaking and listening, and extends their knowledge of how English or their own language works.

Additionally it gives children a new perspective on the world by encouraging them to understand their own cultures and explore others and to subsequently draw conclusions about similarities and differences between them. 

Intent

The new Primary Curriculum specifies that children in Primary Schools are require to learn one foreign language and that learning allows children to make substantial progress in that language.  Coley Primary School will be teaching French in KS2.

The aims of Primary Languages teaching at Coley Primary School are to ensure that all pupils:

• foster an interest in language learning by introducing children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and accessible to all pupils;

• stimulate and encourage children's curiosity about language;
• support oracy and literacy, and in particular develop speaking and listening skills;
• allow children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language, and to understand and respond to its speakers both in speech and writing, according to their level of ability;
• for children to read, appropriately selected, literature in the original language;
• help children develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences;
• to provide opportunities for children to communicate for practical purposes and as such, build an understanding of the usefulness of knowing another language; lay the foundations for future language study by pupils

Implementation

The school is delivering the Foreign Language content for French by using the National Curriculum subject matter in combination with a Suggested Progressive Learning Outcomes outlined in the Foreign Languages Curriculum Overview. 

This document details the learning outcomes for each year group for all the different learning features set out by the National Curriculum.   The document gives particular attention to ensuring that there is continuity and progression in both skills and competences across all classes.

The school will be teaching the National Curriculum using LanguageNut to support the delivery of lessons as well as other school and internet resources. 

Language teaching and learning take place in three main contexts:

1. Language lessons

Children are taught specific skills, concepts and vocabulary in a weekly-dedicated lesson.  French lessons are to be taught for approximately 30 to 40 minutes a week in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 by the class teacher.  Teachers can use LanguageNut and other resources to assist them with the teaching of the French Language.

2. Incidental language

Where possible, teachers will use French words or phrases in everyday school life, such as taking the register. There will also be appropriate vocabulary displayed in the classrooms, to reinforce French vocabulary or class topics.

3. Extra Curriculum Opportunities

Where possible, opportunities would be made for children to explore by arranging different activities, which give them an opportunity to practice their language skills and fit in with exploring other areas of the curriculum. For example, children could organise a French breakfast for parents or speak French by acting out being in the French resistance during World War II.

Speaking and Listening

• Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
• Explore the patterns and sound of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of the words
• Engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; respond to those of others; seek clarification and help
• Speak in sentences using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures.
• Present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences
• Appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language

Reading and Writing

• Accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when you they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases
• Read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
• Broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words introduced into familiar written material, including  using a dictionary
• Describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing
• Write words from memory and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly

Grammar

• Understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied

Impact

Speaking and Listening

Children will learn to:

• listen carefully and recognise sounds and combinations of sounds which are similar to, or different from, those of English;
• understand and respond with increasing competence, accuracy and confidence in a range of situations;
• by year 6 children should be able to speak in sentences using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures;
• join in songs, rhymes, raps and stories which enable them to practise the sounds of the language in an enjoyable and non-threatening way;
• make links between the patterns and sounds of language when singing to the spelling, sound and meaning of words;
• take part in conversations, at an appropriate level, reacting to instructions and questions and expressing opinions and feelings;
• memorise and recite short texts such as traditional rhymes and prepare and give a talk on a familiar subject confidently and with regard for the audience;

Reading and Writing

The children will:

• learn sound and spelling patterns and vocabulary directly taught and reinforced through word games and similar activities;
• read stories and rhymes for enjoyment and to gain awareness of the structure of the written language;
• develop accurate pronunciation and intonation when reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases;
• read, copy and write independently familiar words and simple phrases in context eg classroom items, display labels, weather chart, date;
• write sentences and short texts independently and from memory;
• use ICT where appropriate to support and enhance the children’s learning experiences.

Foreign Languages provides a good platform for teaching and learning about other cultures, and this is incorporated into many other areas of the curriculum including personal and social education and citizenship, geography, religious education, design and technology, music, art and dance. Children will be encouraged to make links and connections across all curriculum areas.