Language teaching at Elmhurst provides the foundation for learning further languages in KS3. While children will be exposed to a range of different languages during their time at Elmhurst, French is formally taught throughout KS2 which enables pupils to make substantial progress in one language.
Teaching provides an appropriate balance of spoken and written language. We aim to enable pupils to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing, focused on familiar and routine matters, using their knowledge of phonology, grammatical structures and vocabulary.
The focus of study is on practical communication and developing reading skills. Teachers support pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to speakers, both orally and in writing. In every unit there are opportunities for pupils to communicate in role-play scenarios and read engaging literature in the original language.
A thematic approach to teaching ensures that topics are regularly revisited so that knowledge from previous years is embedded:
- Autumn term: C’est Moi and C’est Nous provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their use of informal conversation, building upon their knowledge
each year and covering topics such as greetings, about me, describing family, describing others - Spring term: Each year group explores a topic carefully chosen based on its links to other units in KS2
- Summer term: Au marché, Au café, Au restaurant and Les Achets provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their use of informal and formal
conversation, building upon their knowledge of transactional conversation each year and applying this to different audiences
Learning a foreign language also provides an opening to other cultures. To foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world, we offer pupils an opportunity to visit several European cities; including a Year 4 Paris Trip and a Year 6 Art Trip to a European city.
By the end of their time at Elmhurst, pupils will be able to:
- Understand and respond to spoken and written language
- Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and
asking questions. - Use improved accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation
- Write for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt
- Discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.
Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
Year 3 |
Topic – C’est moi NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic - Les Dates NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic – Au marché NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
Visits/Experiences: French Afternoon (lesson 5), Onatti French Play (Friday 12th June) |
Year 4 |
Topic – C’est moi NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic – Mon monstre NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic – Au café NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
Visits/Experiences: Onatti French Play (June), French Afternoon, Paris Trip, French Club |
Year 5 |
Topic – C’est Nous NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic – Hobbies NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic – Au restaurant NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
Visits/Experiences: Onatti French Play (June)
|
Year 6 |
Topic – C’est nous NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic – L’heure NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
|
Topic – Les achats NC big ideas:
Specific knowledge:
Specific skills:
Visits/Experiences: Onatti French Play (June)
|
Useful links
Babelzone - please enter user name and password
Jingle bells in French - Vive le vent - video
Vive Paques - Worksheets and vocabulary to practise
Primary Resources - Video clips and ideas to help you learn French and other languages
BBC - MFL posters and information to print
The Language Tortoise - Resources
Key Events
French Plays
In June 2021 the children in KS2 will watch “The World’s Gone French,” a play performed by actors in English and French. The fun story will include lots of French vocabulary and phrases aimed for children learning French. Some of our children will have the opportunity to get involved in the show and speak French with confidence. Hopefully, we will be able to watch this performance in our new theatre. C'était super!
French Days
This summer Elmhurst will receive a French makeover for one day, transforming into: École d'Elmhurst! Every class will celebrate language learning with a whole-school French Day. This celebration will involve lots of fun games related to colours, numbers, dates and greetings as well as plenty of role-play opportunities where children can "buy" their own delicious French food. We will even enjoy a French menu in the school canteen that day - délicieux!
Your teachers love French!
In April 2021 four teachers will spend a week learning French in Montpellier. They are using this knowledge to help them teach other teachers and ensure our pupils have great French lessons!0
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