.Our Intent – What we want for our children
At Barley Fields, we aim to spark a curiosity for languages and a wider cultural awareness. Learning French helps children develop tolerance, understanding and an appreciation of other cultures, while building confidence and self-expression.
Our goal is for children to enjoy language learning, understand how it connects to identity and culture, and feel motivated to continue studying languages beyond primary school.
Our Implementation – How We Teach French
Our French curriculum is progressive, starting in Year 1 and continuing through to Year 6. It is taught using the Language Angels MFL Scheme, with lessons focusing on four key strands:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Learning begins with simple nouns and phrases in Early Years and KS1, gradually developing into more complex structures, longer texts, and personalised responses by Year 6. Grammar, vocabulary, and language skills are revisited and consolidated each year to ensure knowledge is embedded.
Children use high-quality resources and interactive tools, applying their learning to real-life contexts, such as writing to pen pals. Lessons are delivered by specialist staff, supported by the curriculum character Lila the Linguist, who helps children reflect on the skills and knowledge needed to progress as young linguists.
Our Impact – The difference it makes
Our French curriculum helps children:
- Enjoy and feel confident in language learning
- Acquire and apply a growing vocabulary and grammar knowledge
- Understand and produce longer spoken and written language
- Develop cultural awareness and curiosity about the wider world
- Make connections between language, identity, and other cultures
We measure progress through pupil work, discussions, curriculum floor books, and internal monitoring. Children leave Barley Fields with a love of languages, a solid foundation in French, and an understanding of French culture, preparing them for future language learning and global citizenship.