MFL Curriculum
Intent
At our school, the teaching of French aims to inspire curiosity about languages and deepen pupils’ understanding of the world. French is introduced from Year 3 onwards, providing a structured and consistent foundation throughout Key Stage 2.
We want all pupils—including those who are already learning English as an Additional Language (EAL)—to develop confidence, enjoyment, and a positive attitude towards multilingualism.
Through our French curriculum we intend for pupils to:
- Acquire essential language skills that allow them to understand and express simple ideas verbally and in writing.
- Strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in ways that support literacy across languages.
- Recognise and value linguistic diversity, celebrating the fact that many pupils already use additional languages at home or in the community.
- Build intercultural understanding by exploring French-speaking countries and comparing these with their own backgrounds and experiences.
- Leave primary school fully prepared for continued language learning at Key Stage 3.
Implementation
French is taught in a structured, progressive programme from Year 3 to Year 6, following National Curriculum expectations.
At Dunn Street we use Language Angels to support the teaching and delivery of French lessons by implementing:
- A sequenced scheme of learning ensures gradual progression in vocabulary, grammar, and core language skills.
- Learning from previous units is regularly revisited to strengthen retention and support EAL learners who may require additional exposure to language patterns.
- Weekly French lessons delivered by class teachers or language specialists.
- Strong emphasis on spoken language, using modelling, repetition, songs, games, and paired dialogue.
- Progressive reading and writing with clear scaffolds, sentence frames, and visual supports to ensure accessibility for all pupils, including EAL learners.
- Drawing on pupils’ existing linguistic knowledge, enabling EAL learners to make connections between French, English, and their home languages.
- High-quality resources such as stories, songs, manipulatives, and audiovisual materials support engagement and retention.
Impact
By the time pupils leave Dunn Street, they will:
- Communicate confidently in French using familiar vocabulary, phrases, and simple sentences.
- Pronounce words accurately with increasing understanding of French phonics.
- Apply key grammar concepts such as gender, adjective agreement, and simple verb forms.
- Use transferable language-learning strategies that benefit their English acquisition and future study of languages.
- Develop cultural appreciation, recognising similarities and differences between French-speaking cultures, their own cultures, and British life.
- Demonstrate positive attitudes towards languages and confidence as young linguists.
- Be well-prepared for Key Stage 3, equipped with secure foundations and enthusiasm for continued language learning.