We implement our French language curriculum in Key Stage 2 by adhering to the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and utilising the Primary Languages Network Scheme of Work. Our approach includes:

1. Weekly Lessons: French is taught weekly starting from Year 3, allowing students to engage regularly with the language and develop their skills progressively.

2. Focus on Key Skills: Each lesson encompasses the five essential language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and phonetics. This comprehensive approach ensures that students become well-rounded language learners.

3. Active Learning Methods: We engage students via a video-led scheme called Primary Languages Network, which encompasses a variety of interactive and creative methods, including:

   • Actions and Rhymes: Utilising kinaesthetic learning to reinforce vocabulary and phrases.

   • Stories and Songs: Incorporating culturally relevant materials to enhance comprehension and enjoyment.

   • Grammar Exercises: Teaching grammatical concepts in a contextual manner to deepen understanding.

   • Video Clips and Dictionary Work: Using multimedia resources to expose students to authentic language use and improve their research skills.

   • Sentence Structure Activities: Encouraging students to construct sentences independently, fostering creativity and confidence.

The above scheme can be video-led, which benefits from the use of a native speaker and encourages accurate teaching of pronunciation. However, teachers, if they prefer, can opt for the click-to-teach version which is led through PowerPoint slides and allows for the lesson to be more teacher-led.

4. Progressive Complexity: Each unit is designed to build on prior knowledge, with increasing complexity and challenge as students advance through Key Stage 2. This scaffolding approach ensures that students feel supported while also being pushed to expand their skills.

5. Recycling and Revising Content: We continuously revisit and consolidate previous learning to reinforce understanding and retention. This cyclical review allows students to deepen their mastery of the language.

6. Appropriate Challenges: We prioritise setting suitable challenges that cater to each student’s level of proficiency. By adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs of learners, we foster a positive learning environment that promotes enthusiasm and engagement in language learning.

The impact of our French language curriculum at Bowdon Church School is assessed through various qualitative and quantitative measures, ensuring that we meet our educational goals and continually enhance our program. The expected outcomes include:

1. Language Proficiency: By the end of Key Stage 2, students will have developed a solid foundation in French, demonstrating the ability to:

   • Pronounce basic French words and phrases correctly.

   • Understand the influence of grammatical gender on nouns and articles.

   • Engage in simple conversations and make requests in French.

2. Enhanced Communication Skills: Students will show improvement in essential communication skills, including:

   • Increased confidence in speaking and listening through regular practice and interactive activities.

   • Improved reading comprehension as they engage with age-appropriate French texts and materials.

   • The ability to write simple sentences and paragraphs in French, utilising correct grammar and vocabulary.

3. Cultural Awareness: Learning French will foster a deeper appreciation of French culture and the cultures of other French-speaking countries, promoting:

   • Greater empathy and understanding of cultural diversity.

   • An expanded world view as students recognise and appreciate different perspectives.

4. Engagement and Motivation: Our interactive and creative approach to language learning is designed to inspire a love for the French language, leading to:

   • High levels of student engagement and participation in lessons.

   • A positive attitude toward language learning, encouraging students to continue studying languages in the future.

5. Assessment and Monitoring: We utilise various assessment methods to monitor student progress, including:

   • Formative Assessments: Regular assessments during lessons to gauge understanding and identify areas for improvement.

   • Summative Assessments: End-of-unit assessments to evaluate overall language proficiency and knowledge retention.

   • Pupil Voice: Gathering feedback from students about their learning experiences to identify strengths and areas for development in the curriculum.

6. Long-term Benefits: By equipping students with foundational language skills, we aim to prepare them for future opportunities, including:

   • Enhanced prospects for secondary school language studies.

   • Increased confidence and competence in engaging with French-speaking communities and cultures.

“Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.” - Goethe

At Bowdon Church School we have chosen to teach an introduction to Latin in Year 5 and Year 6 because of the rich opportunities that come with learning this ancient language. As well as being a fascinating language in its own right, knowledge of Latin helps to develop literacy skills. Through Latin, children develop their knowledge of spelling and vocabulary through learning Latin roots of English words and deepen their understanding of grammar. Alongside language learning, the study of Roman and Greek civilisations aids cultural literacy, encourages cultural insights and gives opportunities for wide-ranging thinking across many linked subjects (including history, philosophy, art, maths and science).

Intent

1. English vocabulary and grammar development: Latin lies at the root of 60% of English words, studying it has a beneficial impact on the development of English vocabulary across a range of subjects – such as history, geography and science – and language skills in general.

2. Provide a foundation for learning foreign languages: Latin is the ancestor of the Romance languages. These languages derive a significant amount of their grammar, syntax, and vocabulary from Latin, reinforcing the notion of structure and pattern in language. Learning Latin provides a paradigm for language learning in KS3 and beyond, and enables the learning of other romance languages such as Spanish and French.

3. Cultural Understanding: Foster an appreciation of myth and other cultural aspects that form the basis of modern Western culture.

Implementation

The teaching of Latin is initially a one-year trial (2024-25). Children in Y5 and Y6 will experience Latin for one term. Children are introduced to Latin following the Minimus scheme of work, implemented by Classics for All at Oxford University. Support has been received from www.classicsforall.org.uk to implement this programme of study, including training for staff.

Children will use the Minimus course to learn Latin with one discrete lesson per week in Y5 and Y6 for one term. The course aims to give pupils a taste of the Latin language and, above all, is fun and engaging. Through the various sections of the course, pupils’ English vocabulary is built with a focus on Latin root words and derivatives. Children and teachers read aloud in Latin and focus on new vocabulary in each section. Each new chapter includes picture stories which introduce the subject matter and language, word lists for new vocabulary, sections which teach relevant grammatical concepts, an introduction to the relevant English derivatives from Latin words and a summary of the grammar and vocabulary learnt. Also included in each section are points for discussion about Roman life and a myth or story told in English.

Lessons include:

• repetition of vocabulary and basic grammar in a contextual manner to deepen understanding.

• links to English vocabulary and other languages (mainly French, Spanish & Italian) as appropriate.

• cultural links, including well-known Latin quotes, British Roman history, stories and myths. 

• speaking and listening activities. 

• simple translation, using contextual clues, word banks and application of language skills. 

Impact

By learning Latin, pupils will build a richer vocabulary and a stronger grasp of how language works. They’ll recognise Latin roots in English, helping them improve their reading and writing throughout the curriculum. As they progress, they’ll not only gain confidence in language learning but also see how Latin connects to other subjects, setting them up for success in the future.