Modern Foreign Language
Modern Foreign Languages (French) Curriculum Statement
At Nicol Mere Primary School, the core language taught is French. We believe that learning a foreign language provides children with the opportunity to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world. Our aim is to ensure that all children in Key Stage 2 receive high-quality, engaging French lessons that progressively develop their vocabulary, fluency, and cultural awareness.
In Lower Key Stage 2, pupils focus on listening and speaking, building a foundation in everyday vocabulary and conversational skills. As they move into Upper Key Stage 2, these foundations are extended to include reading, writing, and a more complex understanding of grammar and sentence structure. Our curriculum enables children to express themselves with growing confidence and prepares them to be confident global citizens.
Intent
Our intent is to:
- Set high expectations in French teaching across Key Stage 2
- Deliver a broad, balanced, and progressive curriculum in language skills and vocabulary
- Promote cultural appreciation and understanding of the French-speaking world
- Provide pupils with exciting and enriching learning experiences
- Promote our school values through respectful communication and global awareness
- Enable children to express ideas in French, both spoken and written
- Foster curiosity and interest in languages and the wider world
- Prepare pupils for future language learning in secondary education
Implementation
From Year 3 onwards, pupils begin their MFL (Modern Foreign Languages) journey with weekly 45-minute French lessons across all KS2 classes. These are taught using high-quality planning and resources provided by the Primary Languages Network (PLN), delivered through the Primary Languages VLE platform.
Lessons are engaging and structured, with pupils’ work stored in dedicated MFL folders to showcase their progress. Classroom displays and short reinforcement activities are used by teachers to embed learning beyond the weekly sessions.
The curriculum follows a live Long-Term Plan (LTP) that is regularly updated to align with national standards. Alongside language skills, children explore French culture and traditions, linking with other subjects such as:
Music – learning French songs and rhymes
Art – sketching and creative tasks related to cultural themes
Geography – exploring French-speaking countries and their customs
Impact
Our French curriculum enables children to develop a respect and appreciation for other cultures, celebrating the diversity of the wider world. Over their time in Key Stage 2, pupils build a strong foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, equipping them with the skills to communicate confidently in French.
By the end of Year 6, children leave Nicol Mere with a solid understanding of the French language, a positive attitude towards language learning, and the confidence to continue their MFL journey into secondary school and beyond.