At Burnt Oak Junior School, we believe that learning another language provides children with opportunities to explore different cultures, broaden their horizons and develop an appreciation of the wider world.

Our French curriculum encourages children to communicate with confidence, develop their curiosity and recognise the importance of languages in bringing people together. Through engaging and interactive activities, children learn to express themselves in French whilst developing their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

We want every child to see themselves as a linguist. Learning French encourages children to have a go, take risks with unfamiliar vocabulary and develop the confidence to communicate in another language.

Our French Curriculum – Language Angels

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we follow the Language Angels French Curriculum, which provides a carefully planned and sequenced approach to developing children's language knowledge, understanding and communication skills.

Throughout Years 3 to 6, children build on their previous learning, gradually developing their vocabulary, pronunciation and understanding of French grammar. Lessons are designed to be interactive and enjoyable, allowing children to practise and apply their language skills in meaningful contexts.

Our French curriculum aims to ensure that children:

• Listening – develop an understanding of spoken French, recognising familiar words, phrases and simple sentences.

• Speaking – communicate with increasing confidence, asking and answering questions and expressing simple ideas and opinions.

• Reading – recognise and understand familiar vocabulary, phrases and short texts written in French.

• Writing – develop the ability to write words, phrases and sentences, gradually applying their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.

• Grammar and Vocabulary – build an understanding of how the French language works, including sentence structures, pronunciation and grammatical patterns.

• Intercultural Understanding – explore French-speaking countries, traditions and cultures, developing an appreciation of similarities and differences between communities.

Children are encouraged to use their developing language skills regularly, building confidence through repetition, practice and opportunities to communicate with others.

Bringing French to Life

We believe that learning a language should be enjoyable, engaging and full of opportunities to practise.

At Burnt Oak Junior School, children learn French through a variety of interactive activities, including songs, games, stories, conversations and role play. These experiences help children develop their pronunciation, remember new vocabulary and become more confident speaking in another language.

Our lessons also provide opportunities to explore French culture and traditions, helping children understand that languages are closely connected to the people and communities who speak them.

We encourage children to make connections between French and English, recognise patterns in language and develop strategies to help them learn and remember new words.

Our aim is for children to leave Burnt Oak Junior School as confident, enthusiastic and curious language learners who appreciate the value of communicating with others and are well-prepared to continue their language learning at secondary school and beyond.