French at Bradfield CE Primary

During our French lessons at Bradfield, we strive to instil a love of language and learning and an awareness of other cultures. One of our key aims is to develop passion and confidence in our pupils to communicate in French for practical purposes, using both written and spoken French. Our curriculum endeavours to provide our pupils with a solid foundation for language learning which encourages and empowers the children to apply these skills to learning further languages. Whilst studying an additional language, we provide opportunities for the children to develop a more in-depth understanding of the English language and how different languages are constructed. 

French lessons take place weekly. Each year group encounters six different units per year, with the exception of Year 6 who encounter five. There is a focus on specific key questions. The scheme of work has three knowledge strands that run throughout each unit, with knowledge building cumulatively. These are: phonics, vocabulary and grammar. In addition, there are two skills strands: language comprehension (listening and reading); and language production (speaking and writing).  

Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work including role-play, language games and language detective work. Suitable chances for consolidation of key skills and vocabulary are provided repeatedly, enabling children to revise and build on their previous learning. Cross-curricular links are included throughout the units, allowing children to make connections and apply their language skills to other areas of their learning.  

Children are given chances to communicate for practical purposes around familiar subjects and routines throughout the French scheme. Opportunities are provided to communicate in both spoken and written French, although in Year 3 the focus is on developing oral skills, before incorporating written French in Year 4 and beyond. 

To find out more about the French curriculum at Bradfield, please use the blue download tabs below.