The teaching of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum at Highfields Primary Academy develops knowledge beyond the everyday experience of the children and inspires pupils to want to know more about the world in which they live. It provides them with the skills needed to be able to engage with the wider world, equipping them for life beyond the classroom and in their onward journey of language to KS3.

Our chosen language is French, which is taught through the comprehensive and progressive ‘Language Angels’ scheme in Key Stage 2. The intent is that all pupils will develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about modern foreign languages whilst 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.

The four key language learning skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing are taught and all necessary phonics, grammar and vocabulary is covered in a logical and progressive way across the primary phase. This enables our pupils to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning and also helping them to improve overall attainment in other subject areas.

Language Angels provides students with the opportunity to develop their French skills within the context of units linked to our other curriculum subjects, for example students learn vocabulary through a unit describing Tudors. Students also complete phonics units in French to improve their pronunciation and phonetical awareness. The French curriculum we use has been developed from a selection of Language Angels units by our French lead to best suit the students in our school. Alongside weekly French lessons we also celebrate key events including Bastille Day and European Languages Day. Each year group also takes part in celebrating one significant event each year. We also offer a weekly French Culture Club celebrating all things French.

In school, we further support our teaching of French through French audiobooks and we have a range of popular children’s stories in French for pupils to read in the library. We want our approach to teaching languages to inspire pupils to engage with French culture and increase their curiosity of the world around them. 

Here are some suggestions for ways you can help your child: 

Cook a typical French meal – Familiarise your child with French cuisine by having them help you whip up a traditional French meal. You could try Soupe à l’oignon (traditional French soup with onions and beef), Coq au vin (braised chicken, mushrooms, salty pork or bacon (lardons), mushrooms, onions, garlic), Bœuf bourguignon (braised stew made from beef braised, beef broth, and seasoned vegetables including pearl onions and mushrooms), Chocolate soufflé or Salade Niçoise (a mix of lettuce, fresh tomatoes, boiled eggs, (canned or fresh) tuna, green beans, Nicoise Cailletier olives, and anchovies) for example. 

Watch a French movie – Host a French movie night with your family to look at French culture watching films such as Tangled (set in Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy), The Hutchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, Ratatouille, The Aristocrats, La Guerre des Boutons (War of the Buttons), Mune, le Gardien de la Lune (Munem the Guardian of the Moon). You could also watch cartoons on YouTube presented in French, such as Peppa Pig, Astérix or Tintin. 

Listen to French music – Download some French songs to listen to while at home or on the road. Listening to French music will help familiarize your child with French accents and pronunciations. Rockalingua offers a range of songs that children have learned in class. 

Puzzles -You can download and print dozens of free puzzles for your child. They will have fun playing, while simultaneously learning French vocabulary.  Keep a stack in the car for long trips!

Memory game – Create some French flashcards and place them face down on a table. Your child flips over two cards. If the pictures match, your child flips over two more cards. The point of the game is to match all of the cards from memory. 

Hangman – This French activity is played exactly like the original Hangman version, except you are using French vocabulary words and phrases instead of English.