Modern Foreign Languages

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that learning a foreign language opens doors to new cultures, experiences and opportunities. Through our French curriculum, pupils develop the confidence to communicate in another language whilst gaining a greater understanding of the wider world.

Learning a language promotes curiosity, resilience and respect for cultural diversity. We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy with a positive attitude towards languages, an appreciation of different cultures and the confidence to continue language learning beyond primary school

French is taught throughout Key Stage 2 using the Language Angels programme, which provides a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops pupils’ knowledge, skills and confidence over time. 

Our curriculum develops both:

• Substantive knowledge – the vocabulary, phonics, grammar and language structures pupils need to know.
• Disciplinary knowledge – how linguists listen, speak, read, write and communicate effectively in another language.

Learning is designed to build progressively year upon year, ensuring children revisit prior knowledge and develop increasing fluency and independence.

At Ribbon Academy, we want children to view language as a tool for communication.

Throughout their learning, pupils develop the skills to:

• Listen and respond to spoken French.
• Speak with increasing confidence and accuracy.
• Read and understand words, phrases and simple texts.
• Write using familiar vocabulary and sentence structures.
• Use phonics knowledge to decode unfamiliar words.
• Express ideas, opinions and preferences. 

Children are regularly encouraged to rehearse and apply language through discussion, games, songs and practical activities that promote confidence, enjoyment and participation.

Vocabulary is at the heart of successful language learning.

Children progressively build their knowledge of:

• Everyday vocabulary.
• Greetings and introductions.
• Numbers and dates.
• Family and relationships.
• Food and drink.
• School life.
• Hobbies and interests.
• Places and travel.

Alongside vocabulary development, pupils are introduced to increasingly sophisticated grammatical concepts, helping them understand how language is structured and enabling them to construct their own sentences with growing accuracy

Just as early reading supports literacy in English, phonics plays an important role in learning French.

Children are taught how sounds and letter patterns work within the French language, helping them to:

• Develop accurate pronunciation.
• Read unfamiliar words.
• Improve listening skills.
• Build confidence when speaking aloud. 

This understanding supports pupils in becoming increasingly fluent and independent language learners.

Learning a language provides opportunities to develop an understanding of the cultures and communities where that language is spoken.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils explore:

• French traditions and celebrations.
• Everyday life in France.
• Similarities and differences between cultures.
• Geography and landmarks.
• Food and customs.
• Global citizenship and cultural diversity. 

These experiences help children develop respect, curiosity and appreciation for people and cultures beyond their own.

We believe languages should be experienced as living and meaningful.

Children have opportunities to engage with French through:

• Songs and rhymes.
• Classroom routines and greetings.
• Cultural celebration days.
• European Day of Languages.
• Cross-curricular links where appropriate.
• Digital resources and virtual experiences. 

These opportunities help pupils recognise that language learning extends beyond weekly lessons and is an important part of understanding the wider world.

Whilst formal French teaching begins in Key Stage 2, younger pupils are introduced to language learning through songs, greetings, counting, simple vocabulary and classroom routines. 

These early experiences help to develop confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning other languages.

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that language learning contributes to children’s wider personal development.

Through learning French, pupils develop:

• Confidence and resilience.
• Communication skills.
• Cultural awareness.
• Respect for diversity.
• Curiosity about the world.
• Appreciation of different viewpoints and experiences.

These qualities support our wider curriculum aim of preparing children to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

We believe every child can experience success in language learning.

Lessons are structured to ensure all pupils can participate fully through repetition, visual support, speaking practice, songs, games and carefully sequenced learning. We aim to create a positive environment where children feel confident to take risks, practise language and learn from mistakes.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy as a young linguist who:

• Enjoys learning languages.
• Can communicate using basic spoken and written French.
• Understands how language works.
• Appreciates the cultures of French-speaking communities.
• Demonstrates confidence, curiosity and resilience.
• Is well prepared for language learning at secondary school.