At Blagdon Primary, we are pleased to offer French as our modern foreign language in from Year 3 onwards. The foreign language learning targets for each year of key stage 2 are broken down in to the speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills pupils should have developed by the end of the year. For each year there is a list of specific classroom topics which our teachers use to ensure all of the required skills are being developed to the right level and at the right pace.

All classes will have access to a very high-quality foreign languages curriculum using the Language Angels scheme of work and resources. Our children will progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary, language skills and grammatical knowledge organised around age-appropriate topics and themes - building blocks of language into more complex, fluent and authentic language.

Early Language units are entry level units and are most appropriate for Year 3 pupils or pupils with little or no previous foreign language learning. Intermediate units increase the level of challenge by increasing the amount and complexity (including foreign language grammar concepts) of the foreign language presented to pupils. Intermediate units are suitable for Year 4-5 pupils or pupils with embedded basic knowledge of the foreign language. Progressive and Creative Curriculum units are the most challenging units and are suitable for Year 5-6 pupils or pupils with a good understanding of the basics of the language they are learning. Grouping units into these Teaching Type categories ensures that the language taught is appropriate to the level of the class and introduced when the children are ready. Our children will be taught how to listen and read longer pieces of text gradually in the foreign language, and they will have ample opportunities to speak, listen to, read and write the language being taught with and without scaffolds, frames and varying levels of support.

Units, where possible and appropriate, will be linked to class topics and cross curricular themes. Our children will build on previous knowledge gradually as their foreign language lessons continue to recycle, revise and consolidate previously learnt language whilst building on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Knowledge and awareness of required and appropriate grammar concepts will be taught throughout all units at all levels of challenge. 

Grammar is integrated and taught discreetly throughout all appropriate units. Teachers can also use the specific  grammar units to ensure pupils are exposed to all of the appropriate grammar so they are able to create their own accurate and personalised responses to complex authentic foreign language questions by the end of the primary phase.

Pupil learning and progression will be assessed at regular intervals in line with school policy. Teachers will aim to assess each language skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing) twice throughout each  year to be able to provide reference points against which learning and progression in each skill can be demonstrated.

In addition to following the lessons provided in the Language Angels scheme of work and resources, we also do some of the following:

• Foreign language celebration assemblies.
• Cookery sessions of traditional foods from France.
• Weather forecasts based on maps from France.
• School celebrations of national feast days from France when appropriate to facilitate a whole school approach to foreign language learning along with improved cultural awareness.