Modern Foreign Languages (French)

Our Vision

At Weston Village Primary School, we believe that learning a new language opens doors to the world. Modern Foreign Languages play an important role in our broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum. Through learning French, our pupils develop communication skills, gain cultural awareness, and foster curiosity about the wider world. We want all children to see themselves as linguists and to enjoy exploring new languages.

Our approach to MFL empowers every child to Be the Best They Can Be, in line with our Secrets of Success ethos. Through carefully sequenced learning and meaningful opportunities to speak, listen, read, and write, we nurture a lifelong love of language learning.

Intent

Our MFL curriculum is designed to inspire a love of languages and promote an appreciation for cultural diversity. We aim to provide a rich and engaging French curriculum that helps pupils:

• Communicate with growing confidence in French, both in speech and writing.

• Develop their understanding of grammar, phonics, and vocabulary in a progressive way.

• Explore and respect cultures and traditions of French-speaking communities around the world.

• Build language-learning strategies that support the acquisition of other languages in the future.

• Understand and celebrate the value of multilingualism in today’s global society.

Inclusion is at the heart of our MFL curriculum. Every child, regardless of need or background, has access to a high-quality language education. Adaptations are made as necessary, and we celebrate all efforts and successes in language learning.

Implementation

French is taught discreetly in Key Stage 2 each week. Lessons are interactive, inclusive, and designed to engage all learners, whether they are language enthusiasts or new to French. Our well-sequenced curriculum builds progressively from Year 3 to Year 6.

Our curriculum covers:

• Speaking and Listening: Pupils develop confidence in listening to and responding to spoken French, engaging in role plays, songs, and conversations.

• Reading and Writing: Pupils read and write simple sentences and texts in French, using accurate spelling and grammar.

• Grammar and Vocabulary: Key grammatical concepts and vocabulary are introduced and revisited regularly to embed understanding.

• Cultural Awareness: Lessons include opportunities to learn about French-speaking countries, traditions, festivals, and lifestyles.

We use high-quality resources that include audio support to ensure accurate pronunciation, supporting both teachers and learners. Teachers follow a clear long-term plan that ensures coverage of the National Curriculum aims for languages, with opportunities to revisit and consolidate learning.

Our Curriculum in Action

Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4): Pupils begin their French journey by learning to introduce themselves, count, and talk about familiar topics such as family, animals, and school life. They practise greetings, simple conversations, and writing short sentences.

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6): Pupils build on their knowledge, using more complex sentences and developing their understanding of French grammar. They explore topics such as hobbies, shopping, holidays, and the environment, and begin to write paragraphs and hold conversations with increasing accuracy and fluency.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

French at Weston Village extends beyond the classroom. We provide:

• Languages at Lunch Club: A fun, informal space for pupils to explore French and other languages through games, songs, and activities.

• European Day of Languages: A whole-school celebration where children explore different languages and cultures, including those represented in our school community.

• French Café Events: Pupils practise conversational French and enjoy French food in a real-life context.

• Cross-Curricular Links: Opportunities to explore French art, geography, and history in other areas of the curriculum.

These experiences deepen cultural understanding and inspire children to see the value and joy of learning another language.

Impact

We measure the impact of our MFL curriculum by:

• Monitoring pupil work, including written work and recordings of spoken language, through regular work scrutiny.

• Gathering pupil voice to evaluate their confidence and enjoyment of language learning.

• Termly assessments and teacher moderation to ensure children are progressing well in all aspects of language learning.

• End-of-unit assessments that provide opportunities for children to showcase their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

By the time pupils leave Weston Village, they are confident and enthusiastic language learners with a secure foundation in French. They are well-prepared to continue their language learning at secondary school and beyond.

Inclusion

MFL is for everyone at Weston. We ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can fully participate in lessons. We provide differentiated tasks, additional scaffolding, and tailored resources to support access and success for all learners. Our inclusive approach encourages every child to develop a positive attitude towards language learning.

Pupil Voice

“I love learning new words and being able to have conversations in French!” – Year 4 pupil
“It’s fun learning how people in other countries speak and live.” – Year 5 pupil
“The French café was brilliant – I got to order my food in French!” – Year 6 pupil

Subject Leadership

Our MFL Lead, Mrs Lawton, is passionate about making language learning fun, accessible, and meaningful for all children at Weston. She ensures staff have access to CPD and high-quality resources, monitors curriculum delivery, and works with pupils to develop their love of languages.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our:

• MFL Policy

• MFL Long Term Plan