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Our French Curriculum.

At Southbury, we celebrate the many languages spoken across our diverse school community. Learning French gives children the opportunity to add another language to the rich linguistic experiences they already bring to school, while developing their curiosity about the wider world.

We want children to enjoy learning a new language and to develop the confidence to communicate in French. Through speaking, listening, reading and writing, children build a growing bank of vocabulary and language structures, learning to understand and express themselves in increasingly sophisticated ways.

Learning another language also helps children to understand that people communicate and experience the world in different ways. Through French, children encounter aspects of French-speaking cultures and develop an appreciation of similarities and differences between languages, cultures and communities.

Building Knowledge Over Time.

Our French curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children build their knowledge and confidence over time. New vocabulary and language structures are introduced, practised and revisited, enabling children to remember what they have learned and use it in new contexts.

Children develop their ability to listen and respond, speak with increasing confidence, read and understand familiar language, and begin to communicate their ideas in writing. They are encouraged to make connections between French and English, as well as the other languages they may know.

Learning to Communicate.

French at Southbury is an active experience. Children learn through songs, stories, games, conversations, role play and other engaging activities that give them opportunities to use language for a real purpose.

We want children to feel successful when communicating in another language and to develop the confidence to have a go, even when they are not yet sure they have everything right.

Broadening Horizons.

Learning French provides children with a window into another language and culture. It encourages them to look beyond their own experiences, appreciate different perspectives and develop a greater understanding of the diverse world in which they live.

This is particularly meaningful at Southbury, where children already bring a wealth of different languages, cultures and experiences to our school community. Learning French adds to this richness and helps children recognise both the differences and connections between people and places.

Language Angels.

We use Language Angels to support the teaching of French across Key Stage 2. The scheme provides a clear progression in vocabulary and language structures and supports children in developing their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Children also have opportunities to revisit and practise the language they learn in school through online activities, helping them to consolidate their learning and develop greater confidence.

The Southbury Linguist.

By the time children leave Southbury, we want them to have developed a genuine enjoyment of learning languages and the confidence to communicate in French.

They will have built a growing knowledge of French vocabulary and structures, developed their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and begun to understand the relationship between language and culture.

Most importantly, we want children to leave us curious about languages, respectful of different cultures and confident enough to have a go when communicating with others.