Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.
At West End Primary School we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.
The focus language taught in our school is French in Key Stage Two.
West End Primary provides French language learning in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. French is taught on a weekly basis following the Primary Languages Network scheme of work. Teachers plan lessons using this and also ensures the delivery of French is accurate for non- French speaking teachers.
French is fully inclusive and accessible to all of our children, meeting the needs of groups or individuals through conversation, role play, games and songs. The lessons are enjoyable and fun for all children.
To celebrate the children learning French, during the Summer Term we will be having a French Day. During this day, the children will participate in a range of activities including learning about the Tour de France and tasting a variety of French food. They will experience and learn about traditions and cultures in France.