At Clifton, we want our children to become curious, confident and enthusiastic language learners. Learning French gives children the opportunity to communicate in another language, explore different cultures and develop an understanding of the wider world.

From Year 3 to Year 6, children develop their French language skills progressively, building their confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Our French Curriculum

From Year 3 to Year 6, we use the Kapow Primary French curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced programme of learning that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum for Languages.

The curriculum follows a spiral approach, meaning that children revisit vocabulary, grammar and language skills in different contexts, with increasing depth and complexity as they move through the school. This enables children to build on what they already know and develop greater confidence and independence over time.

Our curriculum develops six key areas:

• Phonics – learning French sounds and developing accurate pronunciation.
• Vocabulary – learning and using a growing range of French words and phrases.
• Grammar – understanding how French works and applying grammatical structures.
• Listening and reading – developing understanding of spoken and written French.
• Speaking and writing – using French to communicate ideas, information and opinions.
• Cultural awareness – learning about France and the wider French-speaking world.

Thinking Like Linguists

Learning a language is not simply about memorising words. Children are encouraged to listen carefully, notice patterns, work out meaning, ask and answer questions and use language to communicate with others.

Children have regular opportunities to practise speaking and listening, develop accurate pronunciation and apply their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in conversations and written work.

They also develop their ability to recognise and use language patterns, helping them to become increasingly independent and confident language learners.

French and the Wider World

Learning French provides children with opportunities to explore the culture, traditions and everyday lives of people in France and other French-speaking countries.

Through their learning, children encounter different places, celebrations, food, music, art and traditions. This helps children to appreciate cultural diversity, challenge stereotypes and develop an understanding of how languages connect people and communities around the world.

French in Early Years

In Nursery and Reception, children are not yet following the formal Kapow French curriculum. However, our Early Years curriculum provides opportunities for children to develop an awareness of different languages and cultures through stories, songs, rhymes, celebrations, music and everyday experiences.

These experiences encourage children's curiosity about language and the wider world and provide positive foundations for beginning formal French learning in Key Stage 2.

Supporting Every Child

We want every child to feel confident and successful when learning a new language. Lessons provide opportunities for children to practise and revisit language in different ways, with appropriate support and challenge to enable all pupils to participate.

Teachers use questioning, repetition, retrieval and opportunities for speaking and listening to check children's understanding and help them remember and apply their learning.

Our aim is that, by the time children leave Clifton, they have developed confidence in using French, a secure foundation of vocabulary and grammar, and the enthusiasm and skills to continue learning languages and engaging with different cultures beyond primary school.