Intent
Learning a foreign language is part of the primary National Curriculum and is a requirement for all children within key stage 2 (KS2). William Penn has adopted a whole school approach to the teaching of French to all KS2 pupils.
Our aim is to develop the confidence and competence of each child in the foreign language they are learning. Our goal is for them to be passionate, curious and confident about their own foreign language learning abilities when they finish the primary school phase of their education.
We will help them develop and demonstrate substantial progress in the 5 key language skills necessary for learning French:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Grammar
We aim to ensure that pupils of all abilities develop solid foundations in these key language learning skills - properly preparing them for the next stage of their language learning journey. These skills will develop children’s ability to understand what they hear and read and enable them to express themselves in speech and writing. We will extend their knowledge of how language works and explore the similarities and differences between the foreign language they are learning and English. We will also help strengthen their sense of identity through learning about culture in other countries and comparing it with their own.
Our whole school approach to language teaching and learning is in line with the recommendations of the National Curriculum and the requirements outlined in the Department for Education Languages Programme of Study for Key Stage 2.
Displays of the topics being taught in French will be displayed around individual classrooms.
SEND
The Language Angels platform offers a multisensory approach to learning. It uses a wide range of audio, visual and kinaesthetic teaching styles throughout all levels of learning that support working memory and create a like’ and a ‘want’ to learning foreign languages.
Native voice files, colourful, engaging and interactive lessons, fun karaoke songs, and appropriate desk-based activities. There are also extra interactive games, karaoke videos and the free Language Angels app available to further consolidate learning.
Repetition and practice is at the core of the programme with a focus on the visualisation of the information presented along with rhythmic regulatory exercises used as much as possible. Within each lesson there are a range of desk-based tasks that cover all 4 key language learning skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing. These differentiated desk-based activities are all carefully adjusted to 3 levels of attainment (Easy/Medium/Hard) and, where appropriate, Language Angels have developed a fourth SEND-friendly version with the support of SEND specialist teachers and consultants. The activities are always supported by a range of flashcards, mini flashcards and picture vocabulary sheets to boost confidence and memory skills as tasks are completed.
Dual coding snap cards are provided with images and English translations to ensure meaning is clear. Language is also ‘chunked’ when appropriate. Text is reduced if required and instructions are shorter and concise. Language is chosen carefully in both English and the foreign language and layout, colour, size and type of font used is considered carefully.
Cutting and pasting options are provided for pupils that have barriers to completing written activities and extra lines, boxes and word banks are added where appropriate to support pupils in their reading and written tasks.