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Whitstable Junior School

Learning today for life tomorrow

MFL-French

The intent for delivering French at Whitstable Junior School is to cultivate a deep appreciation for the French language and culture while equipping the pupils with linguistic skills that will not only aid in their academic progression but also broaden their cultural horizons. The curriculum aims to instil a love for language learning, foster intercultural understanding, and develop transferable skills that will serve the pupils beyond their school years.

At the heart of this intent is the desire to promote linguistic diversity, enhance communication skills, and nurture respect for different cultures. The overarching goal is to prepare pupils to become global citizens who can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, where proficiency in a foreign language is a valuable asset.

 

The delivery of French at Whitstable Junior School is principally through the LanguageNut online scheme of work. These lessons have been designed to enable pupils to reinforce their vocabulary whilst simultaneously practicing the four skills of modern foreign languages: reading, writing, listening and speaking.  The scheme provides a range of engaging activities that cater to different learning styles, such as interactive language games, role-plays, and cultural studies. The progression of lessons is designed to build pupils' language skills, starting from basic vocabulary and grammar to more complex linguistic structures.

Furthermore, the implementation of French at the Junior level places a strong emphasis on authentic language use and real-world applications. Pupils are encouraged to communicate in French both inside and outside the classroom, fostering a language-rich environment that supports their language acquisition. An example of this is our whole school French Day where the children dress in colours of the French flag, take lessons in French culture and visit a ‘French café’ run by the Year 6 children.

 

 

The impact of the French curriculum at the Junior level is evident in pupils' linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and overall personal development. Through regular formative assessment and feedback, pupils are supported in their language learning journey, enabling them to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. As a result, pupils demonstrate a high level of confidence in using French, both orally and in writing.

Furthermore, the impact of the French curriculum extends beyond academic achievement. Pupils exhibit a genuine interest in French language and culture, displaying respect and curiosity towards different ways of life. This cultural competence not only enriches their own perspective but also promotes tolerance and empathy towards others.

In conclusion, the outstanding delivery of French at Whitstable Junior School is characterised by a clear intent to foster language proficiency and cultural appreciation, a dynamic implementation that engages pupils in authentic language use, and a significant impact on pupils' linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and personal growth.