French

On parle Français ici !

(We speak French here!)

The National Curriculum states that learning a foreign language gives children an opening to other cultures, fosters curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world.

At Harvington CE First School we aim to develop children’s enthusiasm for foreign languages and cultures from an early age and to give them a firm foundation for studying languages throughout their education. Children, throughout the school, enjoy experiencing different languages either through learning to sing Happy Birthday in up to fifteen different languages or experiencing different languages in the classroom through role play.

In Years Two to Five the children receive an hours French lesson each week. This lesson is taught by a French speaker and teacher, Madame Evans.

The focus for these lessons is through listening, speaking and learning to write in French too. The children to write simple words and phrases following a model and to read words aloud with accurate pronunciation. Children listen to, and respond to short phrases and are introduced to simple aspects of French grammar. Lessons build upon previous learning to develop children’s capacity to communicate usefully in French. 

In all year-groups the emphasis is upon enjoyment, with games and singing in French regularly a feature of all French lessons. 

In the summer term we often host an afternoon with a school from France. The children spend their time participating in planned activities and making new friends too.