At Hardwicke School, our intent is to provide a high-quality, ambitious and inclusive French curriculum that fosters curiosity, broadens cultural understanding and develops pupils’ confidence in communicating in another language. Rooted in our school vision, “Do everything in love,” we encourage pupils to approach language learning with respect, kindness and an appreciation of different cultures, helping them become confident, compassionate and globally aware citizens.
In line with the National Curriculum for England, our French curriculum enables pupils to make substantial progress in one language by developing their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Through engaging, carefully sequenced lessons, pupils learn to understand and respond to spoken and written French, communicate with increasing confidence, fluency and accuracy, and apply their knowledge of vocabulary, phonics and grammatical structures to express ideas and information.
From Key Stage 2 onwards, pupils build their knowledge progressively through meaningful contexts and practical communication. They explore the patterns and sounds of the French language, develop accurate pronunciation and intonation, broaden their vocabulary, and gain an understanding of how language works. Through exposure to authentic materials and aspects of Francophone culture, pupils deepen their understanding of the wider world and develop an appreciation of cultural diversity.
We aim for all pupils to:
- Develop confidence and enjoyment in learning and using French.
- Understand and respond to spoken and written French with increasing accuracy.
- Speak with growing fluency, confidence and spontaneity.
- Read and write for a range of purposes using learned vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Develop secure knowledge of French phonics, vocabulary and grammar.
- Appreciate French language, culture and traditions, and understand their place within a diverse global community.
- Build strong foundations for future language learning at Key Stage 3 and beyond.
French at Hardwicke is inclusive, accessible and aspirational. We believe that every child can succeed in language learning regardless of their starting point. Through high-quality teaching and rich cultural experiences, pupils develop confidence, resilience and cultural capital, enabling them to communicate effectively and engage positively with the wider world.