Learning and studying a foreign language is a key part of our curriculum. It provides pupils with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and appreciate and celebrate differences. Our focus language is French, which is taught from Year R to Year 6 and delivered by our class teachers. We use the PKC French curriculum for years 3 to 6 which is knowledge rich meaning the knowledge children will gain has been carefully specified, ordered coherently and builds progressively over time. The ability to understand, speak and write a foreign language relies on children making progress through the three pillars of language learning: phonics, vocabulary and grammar (Ofsted Research Review, 2021). The PKC curriculum develops these alongside the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. This provides pupils with the necessary knowledge and skills to get better at languages. At EPA, we offer a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious French curriculum that inspires and excites our pupils with a wide variety of topics and themes.

Our ultimate aim is that pupils will feel willing and able to continue studying languages beyond key stage 2 as we want all children to develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating.

Our pupils build on previous knowledge gradually as their French lessons continue to recycle, revise and consolidate previously learnt language whilst building on all four language skills. An awareness of required and appropriate grammar concepts is taught discreetly throughout all units.