Subject Leader: Mrs Gunson
Link Governor: Melanie Williams
At Hadleigh Community Primary, we are determined to ensure each KS2 child receives high quality Primary Languages teaching. We chose to teach the children French as this supports their transition into our local high schools that also teach French. Lessons should teach children the skills needed to communicate confidently in French. Children should also be able to express their thoughts and ideas both in speech and writing. We follow the Language Angels scheme of work across Key Stage 2. The children enjoy using the resources including video stories, songs and games. The children have the opportunity to learn French vocabulary linked to a range of topics including money, animals and school. Throughout the week, the children get the opportunity to practice what they have learned.
European Day of Languages
On Friday 27th September, the whole school came together to celebrate European Day of Languages. This saw all year groups (including Nursery) learning a new language. EYFS and KS1 learnt French, Y3 learnt Italian, Y4 and Y6 learnt Spanish and Y6 learnt German. Mr Betts composed a song for everyone to learn in their chosen language and it was great to hear it being sung in assembly.
The contribution of Primary Languages to teaching in other curriculum areas
English
The learning of a modern foreign language contributes to the development of our children’s listening and speaking skills. It also develops the children’s grasp of linguistic features such as rhyme, rhythm and emphasises the importance of knowing the role of different word types in sentence structure.
Personal, social and health education (PSHE)
One of the main benefits to the children of learning a modern foreign language at primary school level is a social one. It gives the children the opportunity to learn about cultures from a different country. Lessons also give children the opportunity to take part in paired/group work.
Geography
In our Primary Languages lessons, children will learn the names of cities and towns in France and will also begin to describe the weather.
Computing
Videos, games and programmes are used on the interactive whiteboard support and engage children in their French learning.
Key Stage 2
Pupils should be taught about:
- Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
- Explore the patterns and sounds of 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 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 the language
- 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 grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): 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
Primary Languages and SMSC
Spiritual
Primary Languages supports Spiritual development by getting the pupils excited about learning about the world around them.
Moral
Primary Languages supports Moral development by encouraging pupils to recognise the importance of learning a foreign language from another country to enable them to respect how difficult it is when people visit Britain and try to speak a new language.
Social
Primary Languages supports Social development by allowing children to work with a partner or as part of a group.
Cultural
Primary Languages supports Cultural development by encouraging children to appreciate the similarities and differences between France and Britain.
Useful websites to help support your child’s French learning at home