Intent

What are we trying to achieve through our curriculum…

At Ryhope Junior School, we use the Language Angels scheme of work which allows all children to access a high-quality education in MFL. The curriculum develops children’s curiosity and love for languages through an ambitious, vibrant and broad curriculum. Children are given opportunities to express their ideas and thoughts about languages and culture. Their learning is embedded through the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Our aim is to ensure that children are inspired and feel enthusiastic to continue studying French beyond key stage 2.

Implementation

How our curriculum is delivered…

Children take part in a one hour-long French lesson each week. Lessons are designed to build on prior knowledge of phonics, grammar and vocabulary. Lessons are supported through the use of the Language Angels scheme to ensure accurate pronunciation and clear teaching of grammatical knowledge.

Lessons are differentiated to ensure support for all children to be able to access the sessions at an appropriate level. Resources are varied and interesting and include interactive whiteboard activities, storybooks, songs and rhymes which motivate and inspire children.

Children will build on previous knowledge gradually as their foreign language lessons continue to recycle, revise and consolidate previously learnt language whilst building on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Knowledge and awareness of required and appropriate grammar concepts will be taught throughout all units at all levels of challenge.

Impact

The difference our curriculum is making…

The skills and knowledge taught in French lessons are designed to give our pupils the opportunity to make good progress in learning an additional language. They enjoy the use of songs, stories and rhymes to aid their learning and development in this subject area. They are proud of the progress they make and talk positively about this subject.

The French lead in school continues to monitor the impact MFL teaching is having on children’s learning. This is done through regular book scrutinies and lesson observations to ensure progression of knowledge and skill is being taught and that it is being retained by all pupils. The subject leader and class teachers will ensure that the knowledge has been retained by continually revisiting concepts and providing children with opportunities to apply these skills with independence. The subject lead also reviews the long-term plan each year to ensure progression, high expectations and an ambitious curriculum.

European Day of Languages 23

The children found out about different landmarks in France. In Year 3 and 4 the children looked at the Eiffel Tower and found out lots of information about it. The children then used a variety of resources to create the structure. In Year 5 and 6, the children explored the Louvre and again used lots of resources to create their own sculptures. 

European Day of Languages 2022

The children in Year 3 created French flags using a range of paint, crayons and pencils. The children learnt the French pronunciation for the colours red, white and blue (rouge, blanc and bleu).

The children in years 4,5 and 6 learnt the song a colour song. They had lots of fun learning this song and it is a great way to help everyone remember their colours in French. 

On the school yard, some children took part in a traditional French game of Escargot. This is a very similar to the game hopscotch.