French

French 

At Isleham we aim to open doors to language, culture, and communication 

At our school, learning French is about much more than vocabulary lists—it’s about developing the skills to communicate, explore new cultures, and think in different ways. Our French curriculum follows a clear progression from Year 3 to Year 6, ensuring that every child builds confidence and fluency step by step. 

What children learn:

  • Phonics, Vocabulary and Grammar: The three building blocks of language are taught systematically, helping pupils to pronounce words accurately, understand how sentences are formed, and use a growing bank of useful words. 

  • Language detective skills: Children are encouraged to spot patterns, recognise familiar words, and use context to work out meaning—skills that make them independent and resilient learners. 

  • Oracy: Speaking and listening are at the heart of our lessons. Pupils practise conversational skills, role-play real-life situations, and learn to express themselves with confidence. 

  • Cultural awareness: Alongside language, children discover French-speaking countries, traditions, and festivals, broadening their horizons and appreciation of diversity. 

How learning is organised 

Our French curriculum is designed as a spiral, meaning key knowledge is revisited regularly and explored in greater depth each time. Units are carefully sequenced so that grammar, vocabulary, and skills build progressively across KS2. 

Assessment 

Children’s progress is checked through regular retrieval activities, quizzes, and opportunities to demonstrate their understanding in speaking and writing. This ensures teachers can support every child to achieve their best. 

Long-term plan 

Each year group follows a set of engaging topics, such as: 

  • Year 3: Greetings, colours and shapes, classroom language, transport, and animals. 

  • Year 4: Describing people, clothes, birthdays, weather, food, and music. 

  • Year 5: Pets, space, shopping, the French-speaking world, verbs, and family. 

  • Year 6: Sport, football, home and holidays, and exploring towns in France. 

Skills for life 

By the end of Year 6, pupils can understand and respond to spoken and written French, hold simple conversations, and write short texts. More importantly, they leave with curiosity, confidence, and the foundations to learn further languages in the future.