Preparing, Sowing, Growing through language and culture

At Christ Church, learning French helps children to communicate, explore new cultures and broaden their understanding of the world. Through speaking, listening, reading and writing, pupils develop confidence and curiosity—supporting our vision of Preparing, Sowing and Growing and our Christian values at the heart of our school community.

Our Vision in French

Preparing
Through French, we prepare children to become global citizens. Pupils learn how to communicate in another language, developing key skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. These skills prepare them for the next stage of education and help them engage with the wider world.

Sowing
French lessons sow curiosity about different cultures and ways of life. Through learning about France and the wider Francophone world, children develop respect and appreciation for diversity. These experiences nurture Christian values such as Compassion, Respect and Friendship, encouraging pupils to understand and value others.

Growing
As pupils progress, they grow in confidence, resilience and independence. Learning a new language encourages children to take risks, practise regularly and build their skills over time. Pupils develop values such as Courage, Perseverance and Responsibility, becoming confident communicators.

Why we teach French

We teach French so that children can:

• Develop communication skills in another language
• Broaden their understanding of different cultures
• Build confidence in speaking and listening
• Prepare for further language learning

This supports our vision by preparing pupils for the future, sowing curiosity about the world and growing confident, respectful individuals.

What children learn

Our French curriculum is carefully structured so that knowledge and skills build over time.

• In Lower Key Stage 2, children learn basic vocabulary such as greetings, numbers, colours and simple phrases. They develop listening skills and begin to speak in short sentences.
• In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils expand their vocabulary and learn to build sentences, hold simple conversations and write short pieces. They also develop an understanding of basic grammar.

Across all lessons, pupils develop:

• Speaking and listening skills through regular practice
• Reading skills using simple texts and familiar vocabulary
• Writing skills through structured sentence-building
• Cultural understanding of France and the wider world

By the end of Year 6, pupils can communicate simple ideas confidently and have a solid foundation for further language learning.

How we teach French

Our French curriculum is structured, progressive and communication-focused.

• We follow a carefully sequenced curriculum (supported by Twinkl PlanIt) to ensure progression in language skills.
• Lessons focus on speaking and listening first, with reading and writing supported alongside.
• Key vocabulary is taught and revisited regularly so pupils remember and use it confidently.
• Activities include role play, conversations and games to make learning engaging and practical.
• Cultural learning is woven throughout the curriculum to deepen understanding of the world.

This approach allows knowledge to build steadily over time, helping learning to take root and grow—reflecting the message of the mustard seed in our school vision.

Preparing children for the future

Our aim is that every child leaves Christ Church:

• With confidence in speaking and understanding basic French
• With an appreciation of different cultures and ways of life
• With the skills to continue language learning in secondary school
• With respect and curiosity about the wider world

Through French, we nurture pupils who are confident, curious and respectful, ready to engage with the world and contribute positively to society.