Learning a foreign language at Primary school is an integral part of a global education. Making the effort to try and understand someone in their language shows we can respect, work hard and be kind. We love to challenge the assumption that English is enough. 

It helps us see the world from a different perspective. We have chosen French in Primary in the Pele Trust as préparation for Year 7 Modern Foreign Languages at Ponteland High; many pupils will broaden their horizons  later with Spanish or German in Year 8.

Language 

Our French curriculum is designed to help learners make substantial progress in vocabulary, phonics and grammar. We learn language so that we can communicate with others in context. We learn how to greet and say how we are feeling; to describe families, animals, appearance, where we live; to talk about what music or food or hobbies we like; as well as ‘core’ content such as numbers, days, months.

Culture

French in France is one part of a diverse French speaking world and we give children the opportunity to encounter many interesting and inspiring aspects from cultures, countries and role models throughout Francophonie

Skills

By the end of Key Stage 2 children will have learned to communicate in simple language with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity. They will learn to listen attentively and pronounce words accurately, use a bilingual dictionary and develop other skills such as: asking questions, reading and listening to authentic sources, and having conversations. The challenge of language learning also helps develop creativity, empathy, communication, resilience and  self-esteem.