At LDSM, we aim to inspire a love of language learning, whereby children are excited and enthusiastic about learning to communicate in a foreign language.

We believe that children develop an appreciation of different cultures through their learning in French and hold Bastille Day celebrations to further celebrate French culture and customs. We also celebrate European Day of Languages and International Mother Language Day. These days are delivered with the support and ideas of our Year 6 Language Ambassadors who this year conducted a survey to explore the different languages spoken within the school community.

We aim for all pupils to express their ideas in French, both verbally and in writing, and encourage them to respond to French speakers. We encourage children to use French often in school through our French Fridays initiative that is monitored and promoted by our language ambassadors.

Children at LDSM will be able to:

• understand and respond to spoken and written language from a range of authentic sources.
• speak confidently and fluently in French, as part of a dialogue as well as asking questions.
• work hard to improve their pronunciation and intonation.
• write in French for a range of audiences and purposes.
• use grammatical features in their writing.
• appreciate and understand written French.

Each year group completes a core unit in which they develop their skills and understanding of key French vocabulary and grammar; building upon their learning in previous years. These units have been designed in collaboration with other local Primary and Secondary Schools to support children’s love of languages as they move to Key Stage 3. Our Year 6 children have had taster French sessions at local secondary schools to support the transition from KS2 to KS3 languages. Children also complete units of work incorporating, games, songs and native speakers into lessons allowing children to develop as confident and competent linguists.

Each child has a French book, which travels up the school with them providing a record of their learning as well as a memory aid of key vocabulary and grammar concepts. At the end of each half term children complete vocabulary quizzes in an engaging and interactive way.