Modern Foreign Languages

French at The Beacon

At Beacon, our French curriculum empowers pupils to speak, listen, read, and write confidently, fostering an appreciation for French language and culture. We aim to nurture curiosity about other languages, encouraging a love of language learning and preparing pupils for future study. Learning a foreign language opens doors to different cultures, enriching our diverse society by promoting respect and understanding of cultural diversity.

From an early age, children engage with French. Although formal language teaching isn't required in EYFS and KS1, we introduce French through songs and games to build listening and speaking skills. This early exposure creates a positive foundation for language learning and broadens children’s awareness of the world. In KS1 and KS2, pupils participate in weekly French lessons led by a trained specialist. Using the School Improvement Liverpool scheme, lessons interweave phonics, grammar, and vocabulary to reinforce and build upon prior learning across various topics. This approach supports skill progression while promoting enjoyment and a positive attitude toward future language study.

French is further integrated into daily school life. Activities like responding in French during routines, school signage, and events like La Journée de la Francophonie enhance cultural awareness. In KS2, the curriculum aligns with the national Languages Programme of Study, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Pupils explore French through songs, rhymes, stories, and interactive conversations, while progressively improving pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Our varied teaching strategies aim to engage and challenge pupils, providing them with the skills and enthusiasm for further language study in KS3 and beyond.

You can find all current Knowledge Organisers as PDFs on each class page.