At Abbey Park Primary School, our French curriculum develops pupils’ curiosity and enthusiasm for languages and different cultures. Through learning French, children build confidence in communication, deepen their understanding of the wider world and develop respect for different languages and traditions, supported by our curriculum drivers of sustainability and identity and equity.

What children learn

Our French curriculum is carefully planned to help pupils develop knowledge and skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pupils learn key vocabulary, phrases and grammatical structures that allow them to communicate with increasing confidence and accuracy.

Across the curriculum, learning is built around key themes such as:
• greetings and conversations
• family, school and everyday life
• numbers, colours and descriptions
• culture and traditions in French-speaking countries

These areas are revisited over time so that pupils strengthen their understanding and fluency.

Building knowledge over time

French is taught progressively across Key Stage 2 so that pupils build confidence and independence over time.

• Pupils begin by learning simple words, phrases and pronunciation.
• As they progress, they develop conversational skills and begin reading and writing in French.
• By Year 6, pupils can understand and communicate simple ideas using familiar vocabulary and sentence structures.

Prior learning is regularly revisited to support long-term understanding and retention.

Language, vocabulary and communication

Developing vocabulary and accurate pronunciation is a key priority. Pupils are encouraged to speak aloud, listen carefully and respond confidently in French.

Opportunities for communication are built into lessons so that pupils can:
• ask and answer questions
• practise conversations
• read and understand simple texts
• write words and short sentences accurately

This helps pupils develop confidence and enjoyment in language learning.

Making connections

French learning helps pupils understand and appreciate different cultures and ways of life. Pupils explore:
• traditions and celebrations in French-speaking countries
• similarities and differences between languages and cultures
• the importance of communication in the wider world

This supports pupils in becoming respectful, open-minded and globally aware learners.

What pupils achieve

By the end of Year 6, pupils at Abbey Park Primary School:
• understand and use familiar French vocabulary and phrases
• communicate simple ideas through speaking, listening, reading and writing
• pronounce words with increasing accuracy and confidence
• show curiosity and enthusiasm for languages and cultures

They leave primary school with a strong foundation for future language learning and an appreciation of the wider world.

Inclusion

Our French curriculum is designed so that all pupils can access and succeed. Teaching is adapted through:
• clear modelling and repetition
• visual and practical support
• opportunities for speaking and collaborative learning
• appropriate challenge for all learners

This ensures every child can develop confidence and enjoyment in learning a language.