At St John the Baptist Primary School, our French curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, enjoyment, and confidence in learning a new language and culture. We want pupils to see language learning as a gateway to understanding the wider world, encouraging respect, empathy, and appreciation of diversity.

Children develop the four key language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—alongside age‑appropriate grammar, enabling them to apply their learning across a range of contexts. Our intent is for all pupils to develop a genuine interest in foreign languages, building a solid foundation for future language learning and equipping them with skills that will support them in secondary education and beyond.

Supporting these aims are our Core Christian Values of Compassion, Creativity, and Courage, which underpin everything we do at St John’s. Pupils show compassion when learning about other cultures, creativity in how they express themselves in a new language, and courage when practising and sharing their skills with others.

French is taught through half‑termly themes, carefully sequenced to progress from simple vocabulary and phrases to more complex, fluent language. Lessons are interactive, engaging, and inclusive, ensuring that every child can participate and succeed.

Pupils:

• Listen attentively to spoken French through conversations, stories, songs, and rhymes

• Speak in sentences using familiar vocabulary and basic structures

• Read and comprehend simple written material, broadening vocabulary with tools such as dictionaries

• Apply grammar knowledge and develop intercultural understanding

• Reinforce learning through role‑play, songs, reading, and written activities

Learning is enriched through practical experiences such as French breakfasts, themed days, and cultural celebrations, giving children opportunities to apply their skills in meaningful contexts. Teachers model language confidently, encouraging pupils to practise regularly and revisit prior learning to embed knowledge.

By the time children leave St John’s, they will:

• Be confident in basic conversational skills

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and curiosity about other languages and cultures

• Build strong foundations in language learning skills, encouraging independence and lifelong learning

• Be well prepared to progress successfully onto language studies at secondary school

French lessons at St John’s nurture resilience, creativity, and curiosity. Pupils develop not only linguistic skills but also intercultural awareness, helping them to grow into respectful, empathetic, and globally‑minded individuals.

 

What our children say:

“I enjoy learning a new language.”

“I am looking forward to the French breakfast.”

 

Useful websites to improve your child's knowledge at home:

Fun French online games for kids - BBC Bitesize