Intent

At The Grange Academy, our intent for the French curriculum is to inspire curiosity and a passion for language learning in our pupils, linking to our school’s Learning for Life vision. We aim to foster confidence in communication by giving pupils practical language skills that they can apply in real-life situations, while also encouraging an appreciation for different cultures. By learning French, pupils develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as they apply new vocabulary and grammar, enhancing their understanding of language structure both in French and English.

Our curriculum builds a solid foundation in language learning, supporting pupils to pursue further language studies in secondary school and beyond. It aligns with the National Curriculum and promotes adaptability and resilience by revisiting key concepts through a spiral curriculum. We seek to prepare pupils for opportunities in a globalised world by encouraging intercultural understanding and offering the chance to experience learning through engaging activities that connect to other areas of study.

Implementation

The French curriculum is delivered through a carefully sequenced, progressive scheme of work (Kapow), built around three core knowledge strands—Phonics, Vocabulary, and Grammar—which are revisited across the key stages. In the early years, we focus on developing oral fluency, with written language skills being gradually introduced and developed as pupils progress. This approach supports pupils to feel ready, responsible, and respectful in their learning, reflecting our school’s core values.

Pupils engage with the language through interactive activities such as role-play, language games, and listening exercises that are scaffolded to support learners of all abilities. The curriculum is enriched with cross-curricular links, enabling pupils to apply their language skills in other subjects such as history, geography, and the arts. Opportunities for independent learning are also fostered through the use of bilingual dictionaries and research tasks.

Our teachers are supported with comprehensive professional development resources, including videos and sound files to ensure accurate pronunciation and strong subject knowledge. French is timetabled weekly across all Key Stage 2 classes, and its presence in school is raised through activities like French Day celebrations and language-themed assemblies. The ‘During the week’ sections encourage daily use of French vocabulary, further embedding language learning into the school culture.

Impact

The impact of our French curriculum is assessed through both formative and summative approaches. Pupils are regularly observed during lessons to monitor their progress against key objectives, and their achievements are recorded systematically to ensure they are on track to meet the Key Stage 2 language learning expectations. Regular assessments help to identify gaps in learning, and targeted interventions are used to ensure all pupils make progress.

By the end of Year 6, pupils will have developed the ability to communicate effectively in practical situations, both verbally and in writing. They will speak with increasing fluency and accuracy, demonstrating confidence in pronunciation and the ability to understand and respond to spoken French. Pupils will also be equipped to tackle new vocabulary independently, using cognates and grammatical knowledge to understand unfamiliar words.

Furthermore, our French curriculum will prepare pupils for further language study at Key Stage 3, giving them the tools to engage with languages as lifelong learners. Through our focus on adaptability, resilience, and intercultural understanding, pupils will leave The Grange Academy with a broadened worldview, ready to embrace the opportunities that language learning provides in future studies and careers.