Subject Leader: Miss Nisbet
1. Our French Curriculum
We believe learning a language is a fun and valuable experience for every child. At our school, pupils learn French using the Primary Languages Network scheme, which provides engaging lessons and videos from native speakers.
- In Key Stage 2, children develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, building confidence and understanding of French phonics, vocabulary, and grammar.
- In Key Stage 1, pupils enjoy simple songs and greetings to spark early interest in languages.
- Our annual European Languages Day celebrates cultural diversity and gives children a chance to explore different languages and traditions.
Learning French helps children appreciate other cultures, develop communication skills, and prepare for language learning at secondary school—all while having fun!
2. Subject Vision and Intent
At Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge CE Primary School, our vision for Modern Foreign Languages is to provide children with opportunities to appreciate and celebrate cultural diversity while developing valuable communication skills. Through learning French, pupils gain a new perspective on the world, fostering compassion, respect, and perseverance; three of our core Christian values.
Learning a language helps children understand how language works, develop listening and speaking skills and appreciate stories, songs, and traditions from another culture. We aim to make language learning enjoyable and accessible for all, preparing pupils to continue their language journey confidently at secondary school.
3. Implementation — How the Curriculum Is Delivered
French is taught across Key Stage 2 in line with the National Curriculum. We use the Primary Languages Network scheme of work, which provides high-quality resources and videos featuring native French speakers to ensure accurate pronunciation and authentic learning experiences.
- Lessons focus on the four key skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- The curriculum builds progressively on phonics, vocabulary, and grammar, revisiting prior learning to strengthen retention.
- Each class covers one unit per half-term, with lessons that include songs, rhymes, games, and interactive activities.
- In Year 2, pupils are introduced to French through simple songs and greetings, giving them an early, enjoyable experience of language learning.
- Our annual European Languages Day celebrates linguistic diversity across the school, with themed activities that promote curiosity and cultural awareness.
4. Inclusion and SEND
French is for everyone. Lessons are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with adaptations such as visual prompts, scaffolded tasks and opportunities for oral responses. Children with SEND participate fully in lessons and benefit from multi-sensory approaches, ensuring they can enjoy and succeed in language learning.
5. Personal Development and Cultural Capital
Learning French enriches pupils’ cultural capital by introducing them to new traditions, stories and ways of life. It helps children appreciate diversity and develop empathy, preparing them to thrive in a global society. Our curriculum promotes curiosity and respect for other cultures, supported by Christian values. Events like European Languages Day and themed activities deepen pupils’ understanding of cultural identity and belonging.
6. Impact — Monitoring, Evidence and Outcomes
We monitor progress through: Lesson observations, pupil voice, and book looks. Assessment for learning is carried out for each unit to guide our teaching. Evidence shows pupils enjoy French lessons, engage enthusiastically and demonstrate growing confidence in speaking and writing. Our next step is to incorporate assessment of key knowledge for each year group to build on.
7. Subject Leadership and Development
As Humanities subject lead, I work closely with staff to ensure high-quality teaching and consistency across the school. Through staff meetings and professional development, teachers have been provided with practical insights, activity ideas, and strategies to adapt lessons for pupils with SEND. Good practice is shared through collaborative discussions and planning reviews, aligning with the long-term history overview and whole-school priorities in the School Development Plan. This approach strengthens staff confidence, promotes inclusive teaching, and ensures that MFL continues to flourish as part of our collective improvement journey.