Intent

West Row Academy intends to use the Language Angels scheme of work and resources to ensure we offer a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious French curriculum that will inspire and excite our pupils using a wide variety of topics and themes. All pupils will be expected to achieve their full potential by encouraging high expectations and excellent standards in their French learning – the aim being that pupils will want and be able to study languages beyond key stage 2.

The four key language learning skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing will be taught and all necessary grammar will be covered in an age-appropriate way across the primary phase. This will enable pupils to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning.

We intend for all pupils to develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a second language will also offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences. Our intention is that they will be working towards becoming life-long language learners.

Implementation

All key stage 2 classes will have access to a very high-quality French curriculum using the Language Angels scheme of work and resources. This will progressively develop pupil skills in French through regularly taught and well-planned weekly lessons. Children will progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary, language skills and grammatical knowledge organised around age-appropriate topics and themes – building blocks of language into more complex, fluent and authentic language.

The planning of different levels of challenge (as demonstrated in the various Language Angels Teaching Type categories) and which units to teach at each stage of the academic year will be addressed dynamically and will be reviewed in detail annually as units are updated and added to the scheme. Lessons offering appropriate levels of challenge and stretch will be taught at all times to ensure pupils learn effectively, continuously building their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the language they are learning.

1. Early Language units are entry level units and are most appropriate for KS1 and Year 3 pupils or pupils with little or no previous foreign language learning. Early Language Units and Core Vocabulary lessons are designed to run for approximately 30 minutes.
2. Intermediate units increase the level of challenge by increasing the amount and complexity (including grammar concepts). Intermediate units are suitable for Year 4-5 pupils or pupils with embedded basic knowledge of the foreign language.
3. Progressive and Creative Curriculum units are the most challenging units and are suitable for Year 6 pupils or pupils with a good understanding of the basics of the language they are learning. Intermediate, Progressive and Creative Curriculum units are designed to run for approximately 45 minutes.

Grouping units into these Teaching Type categories ensures that the language taught is appropriate to the level of the class and introduced when the children are ready. Children will be taught how to listen and read longer pieces of text gradually in French and they will have ample opportunities to speak, listen to, read and write French, being taught with and without scaffolds and varying levels of support. West Row Academy has a unit planner which outline what each class in each year group will be taught and when. Each teaching unit is divided into 6 fully planned lessons.

Children will build on previous knowledge gradually as their French lessons continue to recycle, revise and consolidate previously learnt language whilst building on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Teachers are provided with a Progression Map and Grammar Grid to ensure all children are progressing their French learning skills and are taught the appropriate grammar at the right time. Grammar is integrated and taught discreetly throughout all appropriate units.

Teachers will aim to assess each language skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing) twice throughout each year to be able to provide reference points against which learning and progression in each skill can be demonstrated.

All content will be continuously updated and reviewed annually, creating a dynamic programme of study that will be clearly outlined in both long-term and short-term planning. This will ensure that the French knowledge of our pupils progresses within each academic year and is extended year upon year throughout the primary phase and, in so doing, will always be relevant and in line with meeting or exceeding national DfE requirements. 

Cultural Capital

In addition to following the lessons provided in the Language Angels scheme of work and resources, to provide cultural capital for our children we will also do some of the following:

• Foreign language celebration assemblies.
• Cookery sessions of traditional foods from the country of the language being studied.
• School celebrations of national days from a range of countries to improve cultural awareness.