Foreign Languages
Flourishing through Language
At St. George’s Church of England Primary School, we believe that learning a new language is a way for children to discover who they are and how they relate to others. Rooted in our Christian vision that every child may “have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10), our French curriculum opens doors to new worlds, cultures, and ways of thinking. Just as the Good Shepherd calls each child by name, we nurture every learner’s voice, empowering them to communicate with confidence and compassion. Through Calling Questions and Spiritual Prompts, pupils reflect on how language can serve others, build bridges, and foster human dignity.
A voice beyond borders
French gives children access to a global identity. It helps them connect with people and places far beyond their immediate experience and nurtures empathy through cultural understanding. Our curriculum supports pupils to become outward-looking individuals who are proud of their own language while respectful of others. We deliberately design learning to lift aspiration, particularly for those who may not have had opportunities to travel or encounter different cultures. In doing so, we fulfil our commitment to ensuring all children feel valued, seen, and included.
Words that build wisdom
The structure of our curriculum is grounded in the Kapow scheme and underpinned by the three pillars of phonics, vocabulary, and grammar. Pupils develop substantive knowledge of the language system alongside disciplinary knowledge of how to listen, speak, read, and write in French. These are taught cumulatively and practised repeatedly, with each unit reinforcing and extending what has come before. Grammar is introduced in a logical sequence, vocabulary is drawn from high-frequency contexts, and phonics is explicitly taught using native speaker models. Children use their knowledge to produce spoken and written language with increasing independence and accuracy.
Our inclusive approach ensures all learners make progress. Pupils who need more support benefit from repetition, modelling, and scaffolded dialogue, while those working at greater depth are encouraged to manipulate sentence structures and apply grammar flexibly. Regular assessment and recall help secure core knowledge for all.
A community that speaks with purpose
French lessons at St. George’s are vibrant, active, and purposeful. Pupils enjoy learning through talk, drama, song, and interaction. They ask questions, practise vocabulary aloud, and show pride in their achievements. Through spiritual reflection, they consider how language shapes relationships, identity, and faith. They come to understand that words can build peace, show welcome, and speak love — across languages and cultures.
By the end of Year 6, our children leave St. George’s as confident, respectful communicators who are ready to continue their language learning journey. They know that their voice matters — in any language — and that through words, they can change the world.