Foreign Languages

FL Curriculum intent:

 At Hexham First School we believe that the learning of a language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It enables them to develop communication skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing and lays the foundations for future language learning. We believe that learning another language opens windows to the world, giving children a new and broader perspective on the world, encouraging them to deepen their understanding of  their own and other cultures.

FL Curriculum Implementation:

Children develop their love of language learning and develop skills throughout their time in school.

Children from Reception to Year 4 take part in regular French assemblies, led by our French specialist, Mrs Crow.  The assemblies focus on basic greetings, counting, songs and stories.  

Children in Year 2 have regular French lessons and answer the register in French.

 In KS2, children are taught in weekly sessions by their class teacher.  Our school follows the Rigolo scheme of work, which is adapted to meet the needs of our own children. 

 In addition to French, children in Year 2 take part in the annual Sankta Lucia celebrations, where they learn about the Swedish festival of Sankta Lucia and learn songs in Swedish.  They then perform with a Swedish choir. Year 2 also take part in a Christmas card exchange with children from other European countries.

Impact of FL

Our French curriculum ensures that all pupils develop key language learning skills, as set out by the national curriculum.  Pupils will; 

  • listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding

  • explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words

  • engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help

  • speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures

  • develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases

  • present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences

  • read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing

  • appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language

  • broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material

  • write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly

  • describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing.

In addition, they will develop an interest in and an awareness of cultural differences.