French

Intent

At Newchurch St. Nicholas School, our Languages curriculum aims to spark curiosity about other cultures and give children the confidence to communicate in another language. From Year 3 to Year 6, children learn French through the Kapow scheme, which provides a clear and engaging progression of skills.

We want children to feel successful and excited about learning a new language. Through speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities, they build the foundations needed to become confident linguists. Our curriculum encourages children to celebrate diversity, understand different ways of life, and recognise that communicating with others is an important life skill.

Our aim is for children to develop enthusiasm, cultural awareness, and a positive attitude towards language learning that will support them in Key Stage 3 and beyond.

Implementation 

We follow the Kapow Primary Languages curriculum, which provides a structured, sequenced programme of study for French from Year 3 to Year 6. The scheme ensures that key language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are built upon year after year in a clear and manageable progression.

Lessons are interactive, enjoyable, and focused on practical communication. Children learn through songs, stories, games, role‑play, and short written tasks that develop vocabulary and confidence. Kapow resources provide strong visual and audio support, helping children hear accurate pronunciation and engage actively with the language.

Throughout Key Stage 2, children revisit key vocabulary and grammatical structures, allowing them to build a secure knowledge. Teachers assess understanding through regular retrieval activities, short tasks, and opportunities to speak and perform in French.

Cultural understanding is woven into lessons so children learn not only how to use the language, but also how people live, celebrate, and communicate in French‑speaking countries around the world. 

Impact 

Our French curriculum enables children to develop confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for language learning. They show growing accuracy in pronunciation, understanding of key vocabulary, and the ability to express simple ideas in French through speech and writing.

Children’s participation in activities, paired conversations, and class performances demonstrates their increasing readiness to communicate and their enjoyment of learning a new language. They learn to recognise patterns, ask questions, and use language creatively, skills that support learning across the curriculum.

By the end of Year 6, children have experienced a broad and engaging language curriculum that prepares them well for Key Stage 3. They leave us with cultural awareness, positive attitudes towards languages, and the belief that they can learn and communicate in another language.