Orchard Park Community Primary School

Languages at Orchard Park Community Primary School

Intent – Why we teach French

At Orchard Park, we’re proud to be part of a diverse and multicultural community. Many of our pupils and staff speak different languages, and we know that learning another language helps children understand more about the wider world.

Our French curriculum is designed to:

• Build children’s awareness of other cultures, especially French language and traditions

• Develop a love of language, stories, music and art

• Help children become confident in speaking, listening, reading and writing in French

• Give children a strong understanding of grammar and vocabulary

• Show how language learning can open doors in the future

We aim for every child to feel confident and proud when using French – whether they’re having a simple conversation, reading a short text, or learning about French life.

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Implementation – How we teach French

Children start formal French lessons in Year 3, but younger pupils can also join our French Club as part of our after-school activities.

We follow the ‘Salut!’ programme, which covers:

• Speaking and listening

• Reading and writing

• Grammar and sentence building

• French culture and traditions

Children learn French through:

• Songs, rhymes and games

• Role-play and drama activities

• Reading age-appropriate French books and using videos

• Special celebrations like French holidays and the European Day of Languages

All lessons are taught by language specialists, so children enjoy high-quality, fun and interactive learning experiences.

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Impact – What children achieve

By the end of Year 6, children will be able to:

• Hold simple conversations in French

• Listen, read and write in French at an age-appropriate level

• Understand more about French culture and daily life

• Feel excited and confident about continuing French in secondary school

Learning a new language also helps children think about identity, different ways of life, and how people communicate around the world. Most importantly, we hope they develop a lifelong love of languages.