At North Lakes School, a maintained junior school on the west side of Penrith, we are proud to offer a rich and engaging French language curriculum that reflects our commitment to inclusion, creativity, and lifelong learning. Our MFL programme is designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and develop communication skills in a supportive and inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive.

Our Approach to Learning French

French is the primary modern foreign language taught at North Lakes School. We follow the Kapow planning, tailored for mixed-age groups, with five lessons in each unit. This structured approach ensures steady progress and builds pupils’ vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding year on year.

Our Vision and Values in Action

Our MFL curriculum embodies North Lakes School’s vision to be a “caring school community, where everyone can grow, learn and adapt for the future to achieve personal success.” Through French language learning, pupils are empowered to become resilient, responsible, and respectful global citizens who embrace challenge and diversity.

We foster a safe, inclusive, and happy environment where all pupils, including those with SEND and EAL, can access language learning. Our teaching emphasises creativity, curiosity, and communication, aligning with our mission to provide a deep, rich, and inspiring curriculum.

Intent

Aims of Our French Curriculum:

• Engage pupils with enjoyable and accessible language learning experiences.
• Develop speaking and listening skills to build confidence and fluency.
• Encourage curiosity and creativity in experimenting with language.
• Increase cultural awareness by exploring French traditions, celebrations, and everyday life.
• Lay foundations for future language learning and enrich pupils’ understanding of language structure.
• Support literacy and oracy through varied activities including songs, rhymes, stories, and conversations.
• Promote inclusion by ensuring all children, regardless of ability or background, participate fully.

Implementation

1. Dedicated Weekly Lessons: Pupils receive 45 minutes of focused French teaching each week, delivered by their class teacher using the Kapow scheme and supplemented by engaging resources such as songs, games, and ICT tools.
2. Languages Embedded Across the Curriculum: French vocabulary and phrases are integrated into other subjects and daily routines, reinforcing learning in real-life contexts. For example, counting in French during numeracy or following instructions in French during PE.
3. Everyday Use and Incidental Language: Pupils and staff use French phrases throughout the school day—for greetings, instructions, and simple conversations—making language learning a natural part of school life.
4. Currently, due to year 5 and year 6 being mixed-age classes, year 5 and year 6 follow a two-year rolling plan whereas year 3 and year 4 follow a single-year group plan.

Developing Skills and Cultural Understanding

Speaking and Listening:
Pupils develop confidence in listening carefully, recognising sounds, joining in songs and rhymes, and participating in conversations to express opinions and feelings.

Reading and Writing:
Children learn to read simple texts, copy and write familiar words and phrases, and gradually write sentences and short texts independently.

Intercultural Awareness:
Our curriculum highlights similarities and differences between French and British cultures, fostering respect and understanding of diversity. Pupils learn about French celebrations, social customs, and daily life, enriching their global perspective.

Inclusion and Equality

At North Lakes School, we are proud of our inclusive approach to language learning. Our MFL curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND and English as an Additional Language. We differentiate activities to meet individual needs and encourage collaboration and peer support, ensuring every child can experience success and enjoyment in learning French.

Impact

Monitoring Progress and Reporting

Pupil progress is regularly monitored through observation and assessment of oral and written work. Termly assessments inform future planning and ensure pupils meet the expected standards for their year group. Progress is shared with parents through reports, highlighting achievements and next steps.

Enriching Language Learning Beyond the Classroom

We encourage pupils to share their own experiences of French-speaking countries and welcome visiting speakers to enhance cultural understanding. Resources such as dual-language books, songs, and multimedia materials support learning and make French enjoyable and relevant.

Supporting Our Staff and Resources

Our dedicated subject leader ensures that staff have ongoing training and access to up-to-date resources. Classrooms are equipped with French-English dictionaries, vocabulary displays, and interactive materials to support learning.

Summary

At North Lakes School, learning French is much more than memorising vocabulary—it is about opening doors to new cultures, developing communication skills, and nurturing a lifelong love of languages. Our carefully planned curriculum, grounded in our school’s vision and values, ensures that every pupil has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed in a safe and inclusive environment.