French
'You live a new life for every language you speak. If you only know one language, you only live once'
Czech Proverb
At Snaresbrook Primary School, we pride ourselves on being a multicultural school with many different languages spoken by our children and staff. Our aim is for all pupils to develop a genuine interest in and positive curiosity about all foreign languages, with our focus predominantly on French. We believe that learning a second language will offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, and develop a deeper understanding of other cultures, cultural differences and the wider world around them. The intention is that pupils will feel able and encouraged to continue studying languages beyond Key Stage 2 and ultimately work towards becoming life-long language learners.
How is French implemented?
Every class is taught by Madame Schwartz, our French teacher. Each class from Years 3 to 6 have a discrete 30 minute French lesson every week.
The children are taught how to speak, read and write in French, aiming to develop skills and knowledge gradually over the 4 years they are taught.
Madame Schwartz speaks to the children predominantly in French so that they are continuously practising these skills.
Snaresbrook French Curriculum
At Snaresbrook Primary School we believe a high-quality languages education will foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. We aim to introduce children to the French language from Early Years Foundation Stage, building their subject knowledge as they progress through the school. With the use of our specialist French teacher we deliver a curriculum that not only gives children an insight into the French language, but also life-long skills so that they can express themselves in another language by both speaking and writing.
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French Websites for Home Learning
The following websites provide activities for the children to continue their learning:
1. BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z39d7ty
2. More than 700 FREE French games and activities (hello-world.com)
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENRICHED FRENCH LEARNING
We are always looking for opportunities to further develop the children's understanding in French by organising trips, visitors and workshops. Please see below for an outline of some of the enriching experiences that we have taken part in.
French Breakfast
Each year Madame Winter and Year 3 have a French Breakfast as part of their French unit on learning how to ask for different items of food and drink. The children are able to choose something to eat and drink by using the French they have learnt that term. Lots of croissants, brioches and fruit juices are enjoyed by all !
Vive La France
In February, we had the Flying Theatre Company doing a French performance 'Vive La France' to support the French teaching and learning taking place in school. The performance included lots of key vocabulary that the children have been learning in school:
- Food, the weather
- numbers, time, colours
- gender, parts of the body, directions,
- pets, animals, the countryside
- members of family, rooms in the house
Years 3 to 6 had a brilliant time and all really enjoyed the interactive performance.
What the children said:
"It was very fun and it was good that we could try and understand his speech."
"It was really fun. I liked that we already know some French from Madame Winter so we could understand a little bit."
"I really like the acrobatic moves!"
"It was really funny and very impressive."
"My favourite part was the weather forecast."
