Modern Foreign Languages – French

We believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills, including key skills of speaking and listening. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others. Children from Year 3 onwards learn French. The children learn through a range of interactive activities including songs, games and speaking and listening activities. Please check our Curriculum, Overviews and Knowledge Organisers below

MFL (French) in Action at St James'

Yr6 MFL - To learn how to talk about different jobs.

In French, Yr6 were carrying out some fantastic speaking and listening tasks when learning more about the verb "travailler" (to work) and about jobs family members carry out. They discussed the importance of the correct verb form when talking about different people in their family. Tres Bien Yr6!

Our aim at St James’ Haslingden is to foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in all our learners and help them to make sense of  the world around them. Learning a foreign language enables pupils to see themselves as global citizens and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should deepen their understanding of the world and equip them to play active roles in our multicultural society. Teachers should feel confident in enabling children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. Languages should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping children to study and work in other countries.

At St James Haslingden, it is our intent that children will begin their languages learning in Key Stage 2. In Lower KS2, children will acquire basic skills and understanding of French with a strong emphasis placed on developing their speaking and listening skills. These will be embedded and further developed in Upper KS2, with greater emphasis on reading and writing, gradually progressing onto more complex language concepts and greater learner autonomy.

In line with the National Curriculum for MFL, pupils at St James’ Haslingden are taught to:

  • listen attentively to spoken French language and show understanding by joining in and responding
  • explore the patterns and sounds of French language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
  • engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help
  • speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic French language structures
  • develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases
  • present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences
  • read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
  • appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in French
  • broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary
  • write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly
  • describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing
  • understand basic French grammar, including: feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English.

French lessons are taught weekly in KS2 by class teacher. Children demonstrate their learning through speaking and listening, participation in games and songs, completing practical activities and recording individual responses in their French exercise books.

The MFL subject leader will continually monitor the impact MFL teaching is having on the children’s learning, through work scrutiny and discussions with pupils, to ensure adequate progression of knowledge and skills from Year 3 right through to Year 6. They will also look for opportunities to celebrate languages across the school year, ensure the knowledge taught is continually revisited and check that the learners are able to apply the skills they have been taught to a variety of different settings, showing independence with their learning.

Miss Arshad

MFL Co-ordinator

MFL French Curriculum Overviews

Year 3 MFL French Overviews and Knowledge Organisers
Year 3 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Click on the links below to view Yr3 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Year 3 Autumn 1 and Yr3 MFL KO Autumn 1

Year 3 Autumn 2 and Yr3 MFL KO Autumn 2

Year 3 Spring 1 and Yr3 MFL KO Spring 1

Year 3 Spring 2 and Yr3 MFL KO Spring 2

Year 3 Summer 1 and Yr3 MFL KO Summer 1

Year 3 Summer 2 and Yr3 MFL KO Summer 2

Year 4 MFL French Overviews and Knowledge Organisers
Year 4 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Click on the links below to view Yr4 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Year 4 Autumn 1 and Yr4 MFL KO Autumn 1

Year 4 Autumn 2 and Yr4 MFL KO Autumn 2

Year 4 Spring 1 and Yr4 MFL KO Spring 1

Year 4 Spring 2 and Yr4 MFL KO Spring 2

Year 4 Summer 1 and Yr4 MFL KO Summer 1

Year 4 Summer 2 and Yr4 MFL KO Summer 2

Year 5 MFL French Overviews and Knowledge Organisers
Year 5 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Click on the links below to view Yr5 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Year 5 Autumn 1 and Yr5 MFL KO Autumn 1

Year 5 Autumn 2 and Yr5 MFL KO Autumn 2

Year 5 Spring 1 and Yr5 MFL KO Spring 1

Year 5 Spring 2 and Yr5 MFL KO Spring 2

Year 5 Summer 1 and Yr5 MFL KO Summer 1

Year 5 Summer 2 and Yr5 MFL KO Summer 2

Year 6 MFL French Overviews and Knowledge Organisers
Year 6 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Click on the links below to view Yr6 Overviews and Knowledge Organisers

Year 6 Autumn 1 and Yr6 MFL KO Autumn 1

Year 6 Autumn 2 and Yr6 MFL KO Autumn 2

Year 6 Spring 1 and Yr6 MFL KO Spring 1

Year 6 Spring 2 and Yr6 MFL KO Spring 2

Year 6 Summer 1 and Yr6 MFL KO Summer 1

Year 6 Summer 2 and Yr6 MFL KO Summer 2