Modern Foreign Languages

Our approach to Modern Foreign Languages in the Junior School is underlined by the belief that real language use is a central component of learning as well as a desired outcome of that learning. Consequently, our pupils are encouraged to sing, act, tell stories (and even dance on occasion!) through the medium of a foreign language.

It is our aim to promote the pupils’ linguistic competence. We provide our pupils with challenging and enjoyable activities through which means they will develop competence in the 4 language skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. We want to provide our pupils with language learning tools which can be applied to any new language they may choose to study in the future.

In addition, we have designed the curriculum to encourage our pupils’ understanding of other cultures and empathy with their varied traditions. We aim to promote in our pupils an early awareness of the concept of global citizenship and their role as an individual.

The Languages curriculum in the Junior School is designed to be challenging, fun and meaningful. We want our pupils to enjoy their learning experiences and to value them.

In Year 3, where many of our pupils join us with the experience of learning a language, we teach French, using a range of resources and with a curriculum that is closely linked to the pupils’ learning across other subjects.

French continues in Year 4, where we endeavour to tailor our schemes to mirror aspects of learning across the curriculum.

In Year 5, pupils continue to learn French and our curriculum plans allow for greater development of reading and writing skills, incorporating awareness and understanding of basic grammatical structure.

When the pupils reach Year 6, they are introduced to Spanish, whilst continuing their study of French.