French at Hallwood Park Primary School

At Hallwood Park Primary School, we believe that learning French gives pupils the opportunity to communicate beyond their own language and develop curiosity about the wider world. It introduces pupils to new ways of expressing ideas and helps them understand that language is a key part of culture and identity.

Through learning French, pupils build confidence in speaking and listening, develop accuracy in reading and writing, and gain an appreciation of life in other countries. As pupils learn how sentences are structured in French, they also develop a deeper understanding of language itself, strengthening their knowledge of English grammar, including word order, verbs, nouns and adjectives. In our context, this plays an important role in expanding pupils’ experiences and helping them see themselves as part of a wider global community.

Key Stage 2

French is taught in Key Stage 2 through a carefully sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum.

Pupils begin by learning simple vocabulary and phrases before progressing to more complex sentence structures and conversations. As they do so, they develop an understanding of how language works, comparing French and English structures, which supports greater accuracy in both languages.

Knowledge and Skills Development

Pupils develop:

Language knowledge

  • core vocabulary linked to familiar topics such as family, school, food and travel
  • understanding of grammatical structures, including word order, verb patterns and noun–adjective agreement
  • awareness of phonics and pronunciation patterns
  • knowledge of French culture and daily life

Language skills

  • listening to and understanding spoken French, including songs, stories and conversations
  • speaking with increasing confidence, including asking and answering questions
  • reading familiar words and short texts, using phonics and context to support understanding
  • writing words, phrases and short sentences, progressing to short paragraphs

As pupils move through Key Stage 2, they build fluency by:

  • taking part in short conversations and presentations
  • expressing opinions and justifying ideas
  • applying grammar knowledge to create their own sentences
  • reading and understanding increasingly complex texts

This progression is clearly mapped from simple responses in Lower Key Stage 2 to more extended speaking and writing in Upper Key Stage 2

Cultural Understanding

Learning a language also develops pupils’ understanding of the wider world.

Pupils:

  • learn about life in France and other French-speaking countries
  • explore traditions, celebrations and everyday life
  • compare similarities and differences between cultures
  • develop respect and curiosity about other ways of life

Reading and Writing in French

Reading and writing are carefully developed alongside speaking and listening.

Pupils:

  • use phonics knowledge to decode new words
  • read short texts and identify key information
  • build vocabulary through structured repetition and practice
  • write using model sentences before developing independence

Impact

Pupils leave Hallwood Park with:

  • confidence in speaking and understanding basic French
  • a secure foundation in key vocabulary and grammar
  • the ability to read and write simple texts
  • an awareness of other cultures and languages
  • the skills needed to continue language learning at secondary school
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