Statement of Intent: Languages 

At The Sherwood School, we aim to develop children’s curiosity and enthusiasm about languages. Our approach to language teaching is designed to ensure children develop a positive attitude towards language learning, to develop their awareness of different languages and cultures and to give them language learning skills that provide a solid foundation for future language learning opportunities.

Implementation:

In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, different languages are shared, including using greetings, during registration and songs. We encourage children to share vocabulary in their home language and we recognise the importance learning different languages has on building confidence. French Club is open to Year 2 pupils during the summer term to introduce the children to basic French vocabulary and songs and to prepare them for weekly French lessons in Key Stage 2.

Children begin having French lessons in Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) and are taught by their class teacher. There is a topic focus for each half term following the Primary Languages network scheme. Topics include "Welcome to School", “Going to the Market” and “Weather”. Through the teaching of each topic, children are given the opportunity to develop their vocabulary through stories, role play and games. They are able to develop their listening and speaking skills and to begin to present their ideas orally and in writing. The patterns and sounds of language are explored to help the children develop accurate spelling and pronunciation. Children develop intercultural understanding by making comparisons between life in the UK and France and other French speaking countries. They are given opportunities to use ICT to support their language acquisition.

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, we actively promote and celebrate diversity, encouraging our children to use their language speaking skills as translators for their peers where needed.

Article 30 (children from minority or indigenous groups)

'Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.'

Please see the curriculum map attached for further detail about our languages curriculum at The Sherwood and for further details of what your child will be learning in French this term please refer to their year group’s ‘Class Page’.

Impact:

Children's progress and attainment in languages is continually assessed through a range of means, including children's ability to retain and recall vocabulary, children's written work and oral skills as well as the ability to independently express their learning within the classroom. This is reported to parents and carers in termly consultation evenings and in end of year reports.